Figures released by The Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that England and Wales has seen a reduction in deaths due to drug poisoning and drug misuse.  The figures reflect 2010 and show a 5% reduction in drug poisoning deaths to 2747 and drug misuse deaths dropped from 1,784 in 2010 to 1,876 in 2009.

The reduction in fatalities was also reflected in Scotland in figures released by Registrar General last month. The England and Wales statistics mirror Scotland in that heroin and morphine were the substances involved in the most drug poisoning cases with 791 deaths recorded in 2010.

Figures released by Registrar General show that drug related deaths in Scotland have dropped for the second year in succession.  In 2010 there were 485 deaths recorded, an 11% reduction from the previous year.  Although this reduction is encouraging the figure is still the third highest recorded in Scotland.  In 2009 it stood at 545 deaths and 574 in 2008.

Unsurprisingly Scotland’s two largest cities, Glasgow and Edinburgh accounted for nearly half of the fatalities with Greater Glasgow & Clyde NHS Board recording 34% and Lothian with 15%

Men accounted for three quarters of the deaths, 33% were aged between 25 and 34.  Heroin and morphine were responsible for more than half of recorded drug deaths with Benzodiazepines being linked to 154.

The Home Office has confirmed its plans to reassess drug policy by launching proposals to consolidate and review specific provisions relating to healthcare under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. The Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 was created as part of the original 1971 Act and is specific to licensing of possession, production and supply of the drugs specified under the 1971 Act.

A consultation period has been launched which encourages all those involved in drug welfare, including charites, drug workers and also the general public to have their say on the proposals. The consultation is open until 28 October 2011.

The NHS have released today the  latest figures on smoking, drinking and drug use among young people in England.  The survey called Smoking, drinking and drug use among young people in England in 2010 surveyed over 7000 school pupils aged between 11-15 years old.

The research reveals that not only are fewer young people drinking and taking drugs but their tolerance of their peers that do is lessening.  Of those surveyed 13% admitted that they had consumed alcohol in the last week compared to 26% in 2003.  The figures also showed a significant drop in drug usage.  When asked if they had even taken drugs 18% answered yes compared to 29% in 2001

Chief executive of The NHS Information Centre Tim Straughan said the finding were encouraging and showed not only a difference in behaviour but also attitude: “Our figures point to an increasingly intolerant attitude among young people in today’s society when it comes to the use of cigarettes, alcohol and drugs.” He further added “As well as a reduction in the percentage who say they partake in these behaviours; a shrinking number think that drinking and drunkenness is acceptable among their peers.”

Following the tragic death of singer Amy Winehouse on Saturday, MP Keith Vaz, the Chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee, has confirmed that he intends to work with her father to review the period of time that drug addicts need to wait for rehabilitation on the NHS.  During his eulogy at his daughters funeral yesterday Mitch Winehouse said addicts had to wait two years to be treated on the NHS. Mr Winehouse first highlighted this to the Home Affairs committee during its inquiry into drugs in 2009.

Mitch Winehouse has confirmed he is setting up the Amy Winehouse Foundation to benefit children and people battling addiction problems.