Experts in drug addiction are urging the UK government to adopt a new approach to tackle the rising crisis of drug-related deaths. According to the Office for National Statistics, drug poisoning fatalities reached a record high in 2023, with 5,448 deaths—a rise of over 11% from the previous year.
Nearly half of these deaths were linked to opioid use, with the highest rates seen in North East and North West England and Wales.
Professor Fiona Measham, criminology chair at Liverpool University and founder of drug testing organization The Loop, believes the current approach of banning drugs has only led to stronger, more dangerous substances. “We need to think outside the box,” Measham said, advocating for more open drug testing to help reduce fatalities. Although drug testing is allowed at certain UK events, obtaining a Home Office license can be time-consuming and costly, deterring many from implementing these safety measures.
The Loop currently provides drug testing services at festivals and launched England’s first regular drug testing service in Bristol. Measham hopes that other cities with high drug-related death rates, like Manchester and Liverpool, will adopt similar services to prevent further fatalities.
The rising use of synthetic opioids, significantly stronger than traditional opioids, has been a major factor in the increase in opioid-related deaths. Dangerous substances like nitazene are appearing in heroin, amphetamines, and even vapes. Earlier this year, children in Middlesbrough required naloxone treatment after using contaminated black market vapes.
George Charlton, an addiction support consultant from Durham, noted the success of drug consumption rooms worldwide. “Over 20 countries operate drug consumption rooms with zero deaths reported,” he said. Despite this success, the UK government has remained resistant, citing concerns about potentially encouraging drug use. Charlton, who personally overcame addiction, stresses that stigma surrounding drug users prevents them from accessing professional help, underscoring the need for a compassionate approach.
The government spokesperson acknowledged the rise in drug-related deaths, attributing some of the increase to synthetic opioids, and emphasized a commitment to reducing drug use through coordinated efforts across health, policing, and public services.
