Figures released by the office for national statistics have shown that last year had the second highest number of deaths relating to drug misuse in males since 1993.
The total number of deaths related to drug misuse in 2017 was 66 persons, with 50 being male and 16 female.
The data shows there were 8 more male deaths relating to drug misuse this year from 2016 and 25 more than in 2015.
However, there were 58 male deaths in 2014, which was the highest year for male deaths relating to drug misuse.
Image taken from the Office for National statistics website.
Deaths were included in the data where a drug controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 was mentioned on the death certificate.
Some of the most common class A drugs controlled by the act include: Heroin, Cocaine, Ecstasy, methadone and LSD.
The most common class b drugs controlled by the act include: Cannabis, Ketamine, and speed.
These drugs are known in the UK as “controlled drugs” as this is the term by which the art refers to them.
According to the Drug Misuse Act 1971 the following are drug misuse offences:
• Possession of a controlled drugunlawfully
• Possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply it
• Supplying or offering to supply a controlled drug (even where no charge is made for the drug)
• Allowing premises, you occupy or manage to be used unlawfully for the purpose of producing or supplying controlled drugs
Judith Yates data collector for the Birmingham "Drug Related Death Local inquiry group" spoke to us about drug related deaths.
“There is worldwide evidence that drug consumption rooms would improve health and engagement in treatment by people who use drugs, however, the Home Office continues to block them in the UK.
“We would like one in Birmingham, so that people could inject inside and not in our car parks.
She continues, “More people would engage with drug treatment and we know that people who engage in treatment are much less likely to die of accidental overdose.”
West Midlands police and West Midlands Ambulance Service refused to comment on the figures.