DRUG deaths in Worcestershire have risen from 78 to 95 in five years – a 22 per cent increase.
In Warwickshire the statistics are even worse with deaths rising from 78 to 98 in five years – a 25 per cent increase.
These are the findings of a report published by the Office for National Statistics which shows England and Wales have reached the highest number and highest annual increase since records began back in 1993 for drug deaths.
The ONS report reveals between 2016-18 drug poisoning deaths across the West Midlands reached 1,027, up from 916 in 2013-15.
Drug addiction experts at UKAT (UK Addiction Treatment) blame drastic cuts to drug and alcohol treatment services across the West Midlands for the increase.
