The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Drug deaths in South Holland have continued to increase, with addiction experts blaming “budget cuts” for the rise in deaths.
The latest figures released by the Office of National Statistics report a 20 per cent rise in drug poisoning deaths across the East Midlands over the past five years and a 26 per cent rise in drug deaths in Lincolnshire.
The South Holland figures have risen at a steadier rate, with 14 deaths recorded between 2016 and 2018, which is up from 2015-17 (12) and 2014-16 (11).
The figure of 14 deaths matches the 2012-14 stats for South Holland, however.
Of the most recent figures, 11 deaths were recorded as death by misuse.
Drug addiction experts at UKAT blame drastic and unnecessary cuts to drug and alcohol treatment services across the East Midlands for the rise in deaths.
UKAT’s Freedom of Information Request revealed that of the councils which responded across the East Midlands, budgets for drug and alcohol treatment services have been reduced by £3m since 2013.
Eytan Alexander, Managing Director of UKAT said: “Today’s ONS figures are saddening but unsurprising. We’ve highlighted the drastic reduction in budget cuts to substance misuse services every year since 2013 and unfortunately, these figures now show the impact this is having on the most vulnerable people living across the East Midlands.
“It cannot be coincidence that as councils here slash drug and alcohol treatment budgets by £3m over six years, the highest number of people on record lose their lives to drugs. We urge councils across the East Midlands to invest in effective drug and alcohol services next year to avoid more loss of life.”
Mike Dixon Chief Executive for drug and alcohol charity Addaction, which operates in Lincolnshire, said: “It’s a very tough day for families and those of us who work in drug treatment. We knew many of those who died and we remember them. The vast majority of these deaths are preventable. We already know what makes a difference to people who are struggling in the deepest end of life.”
