THE North-East has topped the table for deaths related to drug poisoning for the second year running, as drug mortality figures reach record numbers nationally.

A report released today (Thursday, September 3), by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals there were 3,346 drug poisoning deaths registered in England and Wales in 2014, the highest since comparable records began in 1993.

Overall, there was a sharp jump in fatalities involving cocaine, while the number of deaths linked to antidepressants was at its highest level for 15 years.

Deaths involving heroin and/or morphine increased by almost two-thirds between 2012 and 2014, from 579 to 952, and there were 67 deaths involving new psychoactive drugs (NPS) - often referred to as ‘legal highs’.

For the second year running the North-East has the highest rate of drug misuse deaths at 69.3 per one million of the population.

The North-West is second in the table with 60.9 deaths, while Yorkshire and Humber stands at 38.1.

These are significantly higher rates than the 25.4 recorded in London and the 29.4 registered in the East Midlands – the areas with the lowest drug mortality rates in England and Wales.

Simon Stephens, director of Addictions UK, which formed in Chester le Street 10-years-ago, suggested there were cultural reasons behind the North/South divide when looking at the mortality rates.

He said: “In Britain we have a huge problem with substances that change the way we feel; we are top of the drinking and drug using leagues for Europe.

“Generally, you could argue, that when we are unhappy we seem to have an idea that we reach for the tablets from the doctor, or go to the pub for a drink and try and medicate our way to happiness.”

He added: “Of course, what the report does ignore is the sheer misery of addiction; that isn’t borne out in death figures.”