Menu
16/12/2010
Booze Killing More Than Drug Abuse
Alcohol-related deaths in Northern Ireland last year was the highest on record, a report from the NI Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) has revealed.
NISRA said that 283 people died from drink problems in 2009, up from 276 the year before and setting a new high.
They also said that most cases involved mature people - those aged between 45 and 54 years-of-age.
The number of alcohol related deaths has actually risen by around 50% over the last decade while, last year there were less drug related deaths, some 84, where the cause of death was due to either legal or illegal drugs.
This is a decrease on the 89 drug related deaths registered in 2008. However, the number of drug related deaths registered in NI has doubled over the last decade.
The largest number of drug related deaths occurs in those aged between 35 and 44 years-of-age.
Both reports show that there are significantly higher numbers of drug and alcohol related deaths in areas of deprivation across Northern Ireland.
People living in the most deprived areas are five times more likely to die from a drug related death and four times more likely to die from an alcohol related death than those in the least deprived areas.
Deaths directly related to drugs and alcohol form a relatively small percentage (2.5%) of all deaths in Northern Ireland - in total there are just over 14,000 deaths registered each year.
The report said that the drugs commonly associated with addiction such as heroin and cocaine are mentioned on fewer death certificates than prescription drugs such as antidepressants. Between 1999 and 2009, just over a third (38%) of drug related deaths also included a mention of alcohol.
(BMcC/GK)
NISRA said that 283 people died from drink problems in 2009, up from 276 the year before and setting a new high.
They also said that most cases involved mature people - those aged between 45 and 54 years-of-age.
The number of alcohol related deaths has actually risen by around 50% over the last decade while, last year there were less drug related deaths, some 84, where the cause of death was due to either legal or illegal drugs.
This is a decrease on the 89 drug related deaths registered in 2008. However, the number of drug related deaths registered in NI has doubled over the last decade.
The largest number of drug related deaths occurs in those aged between 35 and 44 years-of-age.
Both reports show that there are significantly higher numbers of drug and alcohol related deaths in areas of deprivation across Northern Ireland.
People living in the most deprived areas are five times more likely to die from a drug related death and four times more likely to die from an alcohol related death than those in the least deprived areas.
Deaths directly related to drugs and alcohol form a relatively small percentage (2.5%) of all deaths in Northern Ireland - in total there are just over 14,000 deaths registered each year.
The report said that the drugs commonly associated with addiction such as heroin and cocaine are mentioned on fewer death certificates than prescription drugs such as antidepressants. Between 1999 and 2009, just over a third (38%) of drug related deaths also included a mention of alcohol.
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 March 2022
218 Drug-Related Deaths In NI In 2020
A total of 218 drug-related deaths were registered in NI in 2020, the highest number of record and a continuation of an upwards trend. The figure was revealed in the latest report on Drug-related and drug-misuse deaths in Northern Ireland, 2010-2020, published by Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra).
218 Drug-Related Deaths In NI In 2020
A total of 218 drug-related deaths were registered in NI in 2020, the highest number of record and a continuation of an upwards trend. The figure was revealed in the latest report on Drug-related and drug-misuse deaths in Northern Ireland, 2010-2020, published by Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra).
26 February 2009
NI Drug Deaths Double
The number of drug related deaths registered each year has more than doubled over the last decade rising from 39 deaths in 1997 to 86 last year. The 86 fatalities were registered in Northern Ireland where the cause of death was drug related, either due to legal or illegal drugs.
NI Drug Deaths Double
The number of drug related deaths registered each year has more than doubled over the last decade rising from 39 deaths in 1997 to 86 last year. The 86 fatalities were registered in Northern Ireland where the cause of death was drug related, either due to legal or illegal drugs.
18 January 2019
Concern Over Rise In Drug & Alcohol Related Deaths
An SDLP MLA is urging members of the public to "wake up to the deadly dangers of drug and alcohol misuse" after a spate of deaths related to addiction in recent weeks. Mark Durkan's comments follow the publication of new official figures which show alcohol-related deaths are at a record high in Northern Ireland.
Concern Over Rise In Drug & Alcohol Related Deaths
An SDLP MLA is urging members of the public to "wake up to the deadly dangers of drug and alcohol misuse" after a spate of deaths related to addiction in recent weeks. Mark Durkan's comments follow the publication of new official figures which show alcohol-related deaths are at a record high in Northern Ireland.
06 March 2019
UUP: NI Facing Deepening Addiction Crisis
The Ulster Unionist Party has warned that Northern Ireland appears to be in the midst of a deepening addiction crisis, after it emerged that the number of men losing their lives in drug related incidents has increased by almost 100% over the last decade.
UUP: NI Facing Deepening Addiction Crisis
The Ulster Unionist Party has warned that Northern Ireland appears to be in the midst of a deepening addiction crisis, after it emerged that the number of men losing their lives in drug related incidents has increased by almost 100% over the last decade.
08 January 2019
Belfast Hit By 10 Drug-Related Deaths In December
The last month has seen 10 suspected drug-related deaths in the greater Belfast area, sparking concern across the community. PSNI Detective Superintendent Bobby Singleton said while the cause of death is not definitively known, the use of illicit or prescription drugs may have been a factor.
Belfast Hit By 10 Drug-Related Deaths In December
The last month has seen 10 suspected drug-related deaths in the greater Belfast area, sparking concern across the community. PSNI Detective Superintendent Bobby Singleton said while the cause of death is not definitively known, the use of illicit or prescription drugs may have been a factor.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
