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Drug-related deaths

Deaths registered in England and Wales where drug poisoning was the underlying cause. Scotland and Northern Ireland publish separate figures and are not included.

5.6k deaths
+2.1% vs 2023

As of 2024

Historical trend

Trend summary

Drug-related deaths was 5.6k in 2024, up from 5.4k in 2023.

Trend

  • Over the available record (1993–2024), it has ranged from 2.2k in 1993 to 5.6k in 2024.
  • The most recent reading is the highest in the available record.

Context

  • ONS drug poisoning statistics record deaths where a drug was the underlying cause; they include accidental deaths, suicides, and undetermined-intent cases.
  • Figures cover England and Wales only; Scotland and Northern Ireland are published separately and show higher rates per head.

Generated from the published series — describes direction, magnitude and range only, with no editorial judgement or forecasts.

About this indicator

Source
ONS
Update frequency
Annual
Last updated
3 August 2026
Next update
3 August 2027
Licence
OGL v3
Direction
↑ Rising

Statistics

Latest
5.6k deaths
Period high
5.6k deaths
Period low
5.4k deaths
Period average
5.5k deaths