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How have drug deaths changed?

Total drug deaths have been on a significant upward trend, nearly doubling since 2013, despite a slight decrease to 5,519 in 2025. This long-term rise highlights an ongoing public health crisis. The shift from heroin to cocaine as the primary cause marks a new phase in this escalating challenge.

Stories that explain this

Cocaine Overtakes Heroin as Top Cause of Drug Deaths in England and Wales

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How are drug deaths counted? What is the government's drug strategy? Why is cocaine so deadly now? How does AI develop drugs? How does AI help drug discovery? What are average death rates? Why is Báñez's death significant? Can behaviour be changed?

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