EXCLUSIVE Drug deaths DOUBLE in ten years to record high, disturbing data reveals - and our interactive map shows the areas worst hit by the crisis READ MORE: Map reveals the 'avoidable death' hotspots in England and Wales By Matt Davis For Mailonline and John Ely Deputy Health Editor For Mailonline Published: 07:13 EDT, 25 June 2024 | Updated: 07:23 EDT, 25 June 2024 e-mail View comments Drug fatalities from both illegal and prescription medications have nearly doubled in the last ten years, new data reveals. Nearly twice the number of people in England are being killed by drug abuse compared to 10-years prior, with Blackpool cited as the nation's drug death capital. NHS figures for drug fatalities include both illicit substances, like heroin and cocaine, as well legitimate, but still potentially dangerous, medications like prescription painkillers.
Our analysis revealed a stark north-south divide into a problem which is killing thousands of Brits every year. Blackpool was the worst place for drug deaths per person in England, recording 19.5 deaths per 100,000 population.
Your browser does not support iframes. Blackpool was the worst place for drug deaths per person in England, recording 19.5 deaths per 100,000 population, nearly quadruple the national average This is nearly four times the national average for England of 5.
2 deaths per 100,000 people. Other poor performers were Hartlepool (14.8), Middlesbrough (14.
1), Liverpool (14) and Newcastle (12.8), all northern towns a.