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Female drug deaths 'rise by 17%' Female drug deaths 'rise by 17%'
(30 minutes later)
The number of women dying drug-related deaths in England and Wales rose by 17% in 2008, according to the Office for National Statistics. The number of women dying drug-related deaths in England and Wales rose by 17% in 2008 to 853, according to the Office for National Statistics.
New figures, which include both legal and illegal drugs, show the number of men dying also rose last year by 8% compared with 2007. The number of male deaths also rose 8% compared with 2007 to 2,075 - the highest total since 2001.
In total, 853 women and 2,075 men died from drug poisoning, the latter being the highest number since 2001. The ONS figures, which include both legal and illegal drugs, also show cocaine resulted in 235 deaths in 2008 - a rise of 20% from 2007.
Cocaine use resulted in 235 deaths, an increase of 20% compared with 2007. The Liberal Democrats called the increases "horrifying".
The ONS figures cover accidents and suicides involving drug poisoning, as well as deaths due to drug abuse and dependence.The ONS figures cover accidents and suicides involving drug poisoning, as well as deaths due to drug abuse and dependence.
They do not include other adverse effects of drugs, like allergic reactions or poisoning with non-medicinal substances, such as household, agricultural or industrial chemicals.They do not include other adverse effects of drugs, like allergic reactions or poisoning with non-medicinal substances, such as household, agricultural or industrial chemicals.
Anti-depressantsAnti-depressants
The figures show there were 897 deaths involving heroin or morphine in 2008. That was an increase of 8% from 2007 and the highest number since 2001.The figures show there were 897 deaths involving heroin or morphine in 2008. That was an increase of 8% from 2007 and the highest number since 2001.
Anti-depressants were responsible for a further 381 deaths in 2008, up from 335 in 2007.Anti-depressants were responsible for a further 381 deaths in 2008, up from 335 in 2007.
The government's punitive policies and heavy-handed rhetoric on drugs are failing Norman Lamb, Lib Dems
But over the whole period of 2004 to 2008 deaths from anti-depressants actually fell by 19%.But over the whole period of 2004 to 2008 deaths from anti-depressants actually fell by 19%.
Deaths from drug misuse - involving illegal substances, abuse or dependence - rose to 1,738 in 2008, the highest level recorded since 2001.Deaths from drug misuse - involving illegal substances, abuse or dependence - rose to 1,738 in 2008, the highest level recorded since 2001.
Most deaths from misuse were among men aged 30-39. The increase in total female deaths came after several years of decline from 2005 to 2007.Most deaths from misuse were among men aged 30-39. The increase in total female deaths came after several years of decline from 2005 to 2007.
Liberal Democrat health spokesman Norman Lamb said the government must urgently rethink its strategy on drugs.
"These are horrifying statistics. The toll of damage from drugs is immense and the cost to the NHS is enormous," he said.
"The government's punitive policies and heavy-handed rhetoric on drugs are failing.
"Ministers must make sure that schools and public services work together to make sure that the message gets out that drugs kill."