Cocaine linked to one in four drug-related deaths in Wales

New data from Public Health Wales shows that cocaine was involved in 65 drug-related deaths in 2023, accounting for 25.7 per cent of all drug misuse fatalities.

It was the third most commonly implicated substance, following opioids and benzodiazepines.

Overall, 377 drug poisoning deaths were recorded in Wales last year, an 18.9 per cent increase from 318 in 2022.

Of these, 253 were classified as drug misuse deaths, up from 205 the previous year.

Opioids remain the leading cause, contributing to 167 deaths (66 per cent) of drug misuse fatalities.

The impact of drug-related deaths varies significantly across Wales.

The highest rate in 2023 was recorded in Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, where the figure reached 12.4 deaths per 100,000 population, well above the national average of 8.8 per 100,000.

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board also reported a rising trend, with 9.9 deaths per 100,000.

Within that area, Blaenau Gwent recorded 16.9 deaths per 100,000, the highest in Wales, following a sharp increase from 5.0 the previous year.

Newport and Torfaen also saw higher-than-average rates, at 9.4 and 11 per 100,000, respectively.

In contrast, Powys Teaching Health Board had the lowest drug misuse death rate in Wales, at 3.5 per 100,000.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board recorded a rate of 5.9 drug misuse deaths per 100,000, with notable increases in Conwy (10 per 100,000) and Gwynedd (9.4 per 100,000).

Flintshire, Denbighshire and the Isle of Anglesey reported lower figures, at 3.8, 3.9, and 3.8 per 100,000, respectively.

Professor Rick Lines, Head of the Substance Misuse Programme at Public Health Wales, said the figures are consistent with reports from local services, which indicate increased use of both powder and crack cocaine.

“These evolving trends point to a need to expand our services to meet the needs of stimulant users generally, and particularly people who smoke crack cocaine who are often particularly vulnerable.”

Dr Lines said: “The data this year on naloxone again shows the importance of this medication to our overdose prevention strategy. Naloxone is a safe and highly effective response to opiate overdose, and we encourage more people to utilise the free access we have in Wales to THN.

He also stressed that drug-related deaths are eight times more likely in the most deprived areas compared to the least deprived, reinforcing the need for a broader response that goes beyond drug services alone.

“This shows that drug services alone are not the answer to reducing deaths, and that addressing wider determinants must also be a focus of our response.” He added.

Take-home Naloxone (THN), a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, continues to play a crucial role in harm reduction.

Public Health Wales figures show that of nearly 4,000 opioid overdose events since July 2013, just 1.3 per cent resulted in deaths where THN was used.

Kits are issued to people at risk, as well as their friends and family, following training.

The medication provides critical time for emergency services to arrive and administer further treatment.

THN is available for free in Wales by calling Dan 24/7 on 0808 808 2234 or by visiting www.dan247.org.uk.

The Dan 24/7 helpline offers confidential advice and support for anyone concerned about drug or alcohol use.

Advisors are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and can be reached by calling 0808 808 2234 or via email: [email protected]