RECENT statistics that have come out from the Office for National Statistics show that Somerset drug deaths are on the decline.

The data shows that deaths relating to drug poisoning reduced from 52 in 2021, to 34 in 2022. 52 is the highest number ever recorded in Somerset, with the number increasing every year since 1993. These new statistics, however, are positive and hopefully a step in the right direction.

Similarly, the data shows deaths relating to drug misuse lowered by more than 50%, going from 40 in 2021 to 17 in 2022. Once again 40 deaths are the highest recorded since 1993. The number of deaths relating to drug misuse has been increasing consistently since 2015.

Individual areas

Within the data, the Office for National Statistics broke down Somerset into four separate areas.

Deaths relating to drug poisoning:

  • The Mendip area reduced from 13 deaths in 2021 to 7 in 2022
  • The Sedgemoor area reduced from 16 deaths in 2021 to 7 in 2022
  • Somerset West and Taunton reduced from 15 deaths in 2021 to 8 in 2022
  • Unfortunately, South Somerset increased from 8 deaths in 2021 to 12 in 2022

Deaths relating to drug misuse:

  • The Mendip area reduced from 11 deaths in 2021 to 5 in 2022
  • The Sedgemoor are reduced from 11 deaths in 2021 to just 2 2022
  • Somerset West and Taunton reduced from 12 deaths in 2021 to 3 in 2022
  • Unfortunately, South Somerset increased from 6 deaths in 2021 to 7 in 2022

These statistics show a positive and needed reduction in drug related deaths across Somerset, it can certainly serve as hope that these number continue to decline over the next few years.