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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
10 August 2026
Next update
10 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