Latest figures show the number of drug deaths in Sussex

Drug reform charity Release said the Government was partly to blame for the record number of deaths seen across England and Wales.

The deaths relate to poisoning from a variety of illegal and legal drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines.

The figures count deaths from drug abuse but also include those from accidents, suicides, and health complications arising from drug use.

In 2019, drug-related deaths in East Sussex and Lewes reached a record level since comparable records began in 1993.

Mid Sussex matched the highest level previously seen while Eastbourne saw its highest figures since 2001

Drug-related deaths also increase Worthing, although they stayed the same in Brighton and Hove.

In Chichester they actually decreased, despite a national rise in fatalities.

A full breakdown of these figures can be found below. 

Across England and Wales, 4,393 deaths from drug poisoning were recorded in 2019 – two-thirds of these from misuse.

It represents the highest total since comparable records began in 1993, and the seventh successive year of increase.

The ONS said new analysis shows rates of drug poisoning deaths have been higher in the most deprived areas, particularly among those in their 40s.

Release said the public health crisis we are all experiencing as a result of Covid-19 has exposed structural inequalities that have been seen in drug-related deaths for the last decade.

Niamh Eastwood, the charity's executive director, said two select committees have called for drug policy reform – including investment in treatment, overdose prevention sites and a review of the law to end criminal sanctions for possession offences.

She added: "If the Home Secretary and the Prime Minister continue to ignore these calls then they will continue to be responsible for the deaths of thousands of people every year. It is time to stop playing politics and listen to the evidence.

“People are dying and government inaction is contributing to these deaths."

Nuno Albuquerque, treatment lead at drug addiction experts UKAT, said 2020 has been a difficult year for many, and some will undoubtedly turn to misusing drugs as a coping mechanism.

He added: "We must remember that these aren't just numbers; they're someone's mother, father, child or friend and we can't stress enough the value of investing in the treatment of addiction."

A Government spokeswoman said: “Our approach on drugs remains clear – we must prevent drug use in our communities, support people through treatment and recovery, and tackle the supply of illegal drugs.

“Earlier this year we announced an independent review into drug treatment services, which have the potential to help thousands of people to recover every year, and findings will inform future action on substance misuse.”

Brighton and Hove

Office for National Statistics figures show 30 drug-related deaths in Brighton and Hove in 2019 – which was the same as the year before.

In Brighton and Hove, 24 deaths last year were down to misuse, meaning they involved illegal drugs, or were as a result of drug abuse or dependence.

There were 102 deaths between 2017 and 2019, at a rate of 11.7 per 100,000 people – up from 11.3 in 2016-18.

Across England, the average death rate for 2017-19 was 7.1.

Chichester

Office for National Statistics figures show three drug-related deaths in Chichester in 2019 – down from five the year before.

In Chichester, all deaths last year were down to misuse, meaning they involved illegal drugs, or were as a result of drug abuse or dependence.

There were 11 deaths between 2017 and 2019, at a rate of 3.5 per 100,000 people – down from 3.7 in 2016-18.

Across England, the average death rate for 2017-19 was 7.1.

East Sussex

Office for National Statistics figures show 58 drug-related deaths in East Sussex in 2019 – a record level since comparable records began in 1993.

In East Sussex, 34 deaths last year were down to misuse, meaning they involved illegal drugs, or were as a result of drug abuse or dependence.

There were 145 deaths between 2017 and 2019, at a rate of 9.4 per 100,000 people – up from 8.2 in 2016-18.

Across England, the average death rate for 2017-19 was 7.1.

Eastbourne

Office for National Statistics figures show 14 drug-related deaths in Eastbourne in 2019 – the highest level since 2001, when there were 17.

In Eastbourne, seven deaths last year were down to misuse, meaning they involved illegal drugs, or were as a result of drug abuse or dependence.

There were 35 deaths between 2017 and 2019, at a rate of 12.6 per 100,000 people – up from 11.3 in 2016-18.

Across England, the average death rate for 2017-19 was 7.1.

Lewes

Office for National Statistics figures show 15 drug-related deaths in Lewes in 2019 – a record level since comparable records began in 1993.

In Lewes, 13 deaths last year were down to misuse, meaning they involved illegal drugs, or were as a result of drug abuse or dependence.

There were 28 deaths between 2017 and 2019, at a rate of 9.7 per 100,000 people – up from 5.7 in 2016-18.

Across England, the average death rate for 2017-19 was 7.1.

Mid Sussex

Office for National Statistics figures show nine drug-related deaths in Mid Sussex in 2019 – a level previously seen in 2015, and the highest since comparable records began in 1993.

In Mid Sussex, seven deaths last year were down to misuse, meaning they involved illegal drugs, or were as a result of drug abuse or dependence.

There were 15 deaths between 2017 and 2019, at a rate of 3.4 per 100,000 people – up from 0.0 in 2016-18.

Across England, the average death rate for 2017-19 was 7.1.

West Sussex

Office for National Statistics figures show 45 drug-related deaths in West Sussex in 2019 – a level previously seen in 2016, and the highest since comparable records began in 1993.

In West Sussex, 32 deaths last year were down to misuse, meaning they involved illegal drugs, or were as a result of drug abuse or dependence.

There were 119 deaths between 2017 and 2019, at a rate of 4.9 per 100,000 people – equal to the rate from 2016-18.

Across England, the average death rate for 2017-19 was 7.1.

Worthing

Office for National Statistics figures show nine drug-related deaths in Worthing in 2019 – up from seven the year before.

In Worthing, five deaths last year were down to misuse, meaning they involved illegal drugs, or were as a result of drug abuse or dependence.

In Worthing, there were 30 deaths between 2017 and 2019, at a rate of 9.7 per 100,000 people – up from 9.6 in 2016-18.

Across England, the average death rate for 2017-19 was 7.1.