Mendip reported a decrease in drug-related deaths in 2022, in contrast to the national trend in England and Wales where drug fatalities reached a record high.

This comes amid calls from health and social care provider Turning Point for increased investment in addiction services.

Data from the Office for National Statistics reveals the Mendip area saw seven drug poisoning deaths, a notable reduction from the 13 cases recorded in the previous year.

These figures encompass incidents of drug abuse and dependence, including fatal accidents, suicides, and complications involving both controlled and non-controlled substances, as well as prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Meanwhile, England and Wales experienced a total of 4,907 drug-related deaths in 2022, marking the highest number since records began in 1993. Turning Point's chief operating officer, Clare Taylor, described the national situation as a tragedy, stating: "Drug-related deaths are preventable, and the right treatment and support for anyone at risk, in any community, remains the key protective factor."

Taylor acknowledged the government's investment in the addiction sector, which has increased treatment places and workforce growth. However, she emphasised that more time is needed before world-class drug and alcohol treatment services can be established. "If the Government continues to invest in building up skills and capacity in the sector, we can turn the tide," she added.

In Mendip, out of the seven drug-related deaths last year, five were identified as drug misuse, involving illegal drugs or as a result of drug abuse or dependence.

The statistics also revealed that 2,261 (46%) of the deaths across England and Wales involved an opiate, such as heroin or morphine, while 857 deaths were linked to cocaine use, a figure that has been rising for the 11th consecutive year.

Lee Fernandes from the UK Addiction Treatment Group commented on the alarming trends, noting that long-term drug addicts are increasingly using multiple substances, which heightens the risk of fatal overdoses. He emphasised that such deaths are "unnecessary" and can be prevented with appropriate help, empathy, and professional support.

The ONS data also showed that the age-standardised mortality rate in Mendip for drug-related deaths was 8.4 per 100,000 people between 2020 and 2022, slightly above the overall rate for England, which stood at 8.1 deaths per 100,000 people.