Figures released today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal that 5,565 people died from causes related to drug poisoning in England and Wales in 2024. The number of deaths recorded is a 2.1% increase from 2023, twice as high as it was in 2012, and the highest since records began in 1993.
Every life lost to drugs or alcohol is a tragedy and with every life lost there will be a family left behind trying to come to terms with their loss.
Losing someone you love as a result of drug or alcohol use can be emotionally devastating, challenging and isolating. If you have lost someone in this way it is important to know that you are not alone. We have listed a range of support below that is available.
Earlier this week we reiterated our call on the Government to do more to support families, and the action needed to make this happen, including by increasing investment in family support, and a commitment to giving families affected by drug use access to training on how to use life saving drug naloxone in the event that a family member overdoses. Find out more here: https://adfam.org.uk/blog-post/drug-related-deaths/.
Please find below a range of information and support that is available to family members dealing with a substance-related bereavement:
- Adfam and Peter Cartwright have produced a series of video support sessions available on our website. This includes a video specifically on substance-related bereavement that you can watch here.
- Adfam’s Journeys Resource provides advice to anyone suffering from a drug or alcohol-related bereavement.
- Adfam and Alcohol Change UK co-produced this information toolkit on alcohol-related bereavement: VISIT WEBSITE
- Addiction Family Support provide support to families that have been bereaved as a result of a loved one’s drug/alcohol misuse, phone 0300 888 3853 or VISIT WEBSITE for more information.
- Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs provide support to families in Scotland who have lost someone who used alcohol or drugs. VISIT WEBSITE for more information or call their telephone helpline on 08080 10 10 11.
- The Good Grief Trust have supportive information on its website including a map of bereavement support organisations. You can contact them at hello@thegoodgrieftrust.org.
The following telephone helplines are also available:
| 116 123 | Samaritans For anyone at any time for any reason |
|---|---|
| 0800 2600 400 | Sudden Bereavement Helpline 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday – immediate support |
| 0800 448 0800 | National Bereavement Partnership Helpline 7am -10pm for emotional support |
| 0808 808 1677 | Cruse Bereavement Care Nationwide bereavement support |
| 0808 802 0111 | Grief Talk Monday to Friday 9am – 9pm |
| 0800 634 9494 | Bereavement Advice Centre Practical advice (9 – 5pm) |
| 0800 435 455 | Bereavement Trust Emotional and practical advice (6 – 10pm) |
| 0345 123 2304 | The Compassionate Friends Open every day 10 am – 4 pm, 7-10 pm |