Pandemic ‘likely explains fewer drug deaths in 2021’ but cocaine use in pubs is the ‘big story’ [Video]

THERE WERE FEWER deaths due to drugs in 2021, but users have been warned that mixing substances can prove fatal.

New figures by the Health Research Board show there were 354 drug poisoning deaths recorded in 2021, a decrease from 439 drug poisoning deaths in 2020.

Opioids (mainly methadone) were the most common drug group reported, accounting for seven-in-ten deaths in 2021.

The number of deaths relating to cocaine more than trebled between 2012 and 2021.

Two thirds of those who died were men. 

The median age of the deceased was 41 years for men and 47 years for women.

One in two deaths were among people aged 35 to 54 years.

Most (77%) of the deceased were living in stable accommodation, while more than one in 10 of the deceased were experiencing homelessness.

Colin O’Gara, the Head of Addiction Services at St John of Gods Hospital, said the downward trend in the overall number of deaths was …