In 2021, 4,859 people were recorded as dying from drug poisoning, which equates to 84.4 deaths per million people. That’s 6.2% higher than the 2020 figure, the ninth consecutive annual rise, and the highest number since records began in 1993. The data covers drug dependence, fatal accidents, suicides and complications involving controlled and non-controlled drugs, as well as prescription and non-prescription drugs. Graph Almost two-thirds (3,060) of drug poisoning deaths in 2021 were related to drug abuse, accounting for 53.2 deaths per million people. Men accounted for more than two-thirds (3,275) of poisoning deaths, a gender gap consistent with previous years. The ONS said the overall upward trend over the past decade was mainly driven by opiate-related deaths, but also those involving other substances such as cocaine. About half (2,219) of all drug poisoning deaths involved an opioid, but the largest increase was related to cocaine use. In 2011, there were 112 cocaine-related deaths, and for 2021, 840 deaths were recorded, a sevenfold increase. Across England and Wales, the North East continued to have the highest rates of deaths from drug poisoning and misuse, while London and the East of England had the lowest rates for poisoning and drug misuse respectively. About half of the deaths recorded in 2021 will have occurred in previous years due to delays in recording deaths. Figures show drug-related death rates have increased by 81.1% since 2012, when there were 46.6 deaths per million people. Graph Mark Moody, chief executive of Change Grow Live, said every drug-related death was a tragedy. He added: “The only sensible response to today’s statistics is to redouble our efforts to stop more people losing their lives to drugs. “The Government’s new drug strategy is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to change things for the better and Change Grow Live will work with partners, policy makers and people who use services to ensure that this will happen.” Subscribe to First Edition, our free daily newsletter – every morning at 7am. BST David Bremner, the medical director of the substance misuse group at Turning Point, said the impact the pandemic had on vulnerable groups was reflected in this year’s figures. He added: “The pandemic has exacerbated an existing public health crisis. However, we are clear that drug deaths are preventable. “In a time of political uncertainty, these new statistics provide a loud and clear appeal, whatever your political allegiances. The government’s 10-year drugs strategy announced late last year and the extra funding coming to services is helping to turn things around, but there is a way to go. “We need sustained and coordinated action across health, including mental health, housing and social care services, to reduce the harm caused by drugs to individuals, families and communities. The government must continue to invest in these life-saving services.”