Published: 29 January 2025
Latest figures from Public Health Wales reveal that over 1 in 4 drug-related deaths registered in 2023 involved cocaine.
Cocaine was involved in 65 deaths in 2023, accounting for a quarter of all drug misuse fatalities and ranking as the third most common substance, following opioids and benzodiazepines.
Since 2020, Wales has seen a significant and consistent rise in deaths involving cocaine use. This trend mirrors increases in hospital admissions related to cocaine and a growing number of people seeking treatment for cocaine misuse.
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In 2023, 377 drug poisoning deaths were recorded in Wales – a significant rise from 318 in 2022. Of these, 253 were classified as drug misuse deaths, compared to 205 the previous year. Opioids remain the leading cause, contributing to 167 deaths (66%).
In areas like Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, opioids were recorded in 64.3% of drug-related deaths, with heroin and morphine as the primary substances. Cocaine was the second most common substance, involved in 37.5% of deaths. In Swansea Bay University Health Board, cocaine was recorded in the same number of cases as heroin / morphine.
A steady increase in fatal drug poisoning cases involving individuals with a history of cocaine or crack use has been recorded since 2016.
Prof Rick Lines, Head of the Substance Misuse Programme at Public Health Wales, said: "These figures are consistent with information from local services that
reflect increases in both powder cocaine and crack cocaine use across Wales. These evolving trends point to a need to expand our services to meet the needs of stimulant users generally, and particularly people who smoke crack cocaine who are often particularly vulnerable.
"The data shows again the links between social and economic deprivation and overdose risk, with drug related deaths eight times more likely in the most deprived areas than in the least deprived. This shows that drug services alone are not the answer to reducing deaths, and that addressing wider determinants must also be a focus of our response."
For more information on the Wales Drug and Alcohol Helpline, please visit the DAN 24/7 website at www.dan247.org.uk