More than one death a week in Leeds caused by drugs last year as support worker claims addiction 'does not discriminate'

Figures released by the Office of National Statistics yesterday revealed there were 76 drugs-related deaths in the city in 2019, with the number having soared by 65 per cent since 2010.

The data also showed a surge in the number of women who died from overdoses or substance poisoning in England and Wales last year, but men still account for two thirds (67.5 per cent) of all deaths nationally.

Other concerning trends show a steep rise in the number of cocaine-related deaths last year, while those who live in deprived areas are 5.5 times more likely to die as a result of drugs or alcohol.

Despite this, one charity worker from an addiction recovery service said there was still a "huge misconception" about people with drug addictions, and that he had seen "people turn up in Porsches and walk in off the streets" seeking help.

"Nobody wakes up in the morning and decides they are going to be a heroin addict," said Lee Wilson, who is Operations Director at Forward Leeds and Humankind charity.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Mr Wilson said that there were a number of factors which made a person more vulnerable to drug addictions and alcoholism, but that ultimately addiction is a public health issue and does not discriminate.

"People in deprived areas are more susceptible," he added.

"Drugs can be more available and you are more likely to know someone using them. Unemployment plays a factor as you have more free time available.

"There is also poorer health generally in deprived areas, but at the other end of the scale people who are affluent may be more likely to drink too much or take drugs because they can afford to. And if everyone around you is doing it, that makes it seem more acceptable."

Mr Wilson added that the service worked closely with sex work charity Basis was seeing an increased number of sex workers seek help with the charity. As a result, 30 per cent have managed to stop sex work since.

"Abuse and trauma in people's lives can lead them into sex work in the first place, then into drug use as a form of coping. Then they need to keep sex working to pay for those drugs. It is a very complex circle that can be very difficult to break out of."

The figures do not cover drugs deaths which occurred since the onset of the pandemic, although Mr Wilson said the service had seen a 10 per cent upturn in people coming to them for help since the beginning of lockdown.

He added that many were worried that, while most festivals and parties had been cancelled this year, there may be a spike in "people going crazy" and abusing drugs and alcohol in the future when events can go ahead.

Despite concerning trends within the data, the overall number of deaths last year was similar to those from 2018, while the drug most likely to result in someone's death being opiates such as heroin and painkillers.

Mr Wilson added: "We're very lucky in Leeds that Forward has no threshold requirements for people seeking help – we will help you even if you're drinking three cans of cider a week and you're worried it's a problem. Leeds City Council has been brilliant in supporting us. You can now see a drug support worker in Leeds faster than you can see your GP, in some instances.

"Some areas have seen cuts of up to 50 per cent of these services due to austerity, though. There is a clear link between investment in services and the number of drugs deaths."

The Department for Health and Social Care was contacted for comment.

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