Preion drugs linked to increase in drug-related deaths

Preion drugs linked to increase in drug-related deaths

27 June 2018

DEATHS from drug-related incidents across the district are continuing to rise.

The revelation is confirmed in new figures revealed this week as concern continues to mount about the abuse of preion medication in particular.

Addiction specialists have revealed that the increase in drug related deaths is most evident within the most deprived areas across the district where the number of people dying has risen from six per 100,000 people between 2008 and 2012 to over 10 per 100,000 people between 2012 and 2016.

During a special briefing with local politicians on Monday night, the specialists warned that problems associated with preion medication are on the rise.

Province-wide, the misuse of drugs such as Tramadol, Diazepam and anti-depressants is responsible for 27 times more deaths that illicit drugs such as cocaine, with the issue also having an impact locally.

The number of people in Northern Ireland who overdosed on Diazepam tripled between 2006 and 2016 from 20 to 60, while the number who died after taking Pregabilin increased from zero in 2006 to eight in 2016.

Politicians heard during Monday’s meeting that the Newry, Mourne and Down Council area has experienced a “consistent increase” in the number of deaths from drug-related causes.

It was also confirmed that while the detailed proportion of admissions and deaths directly attributable to preion medication is not available at local government level, regional data suggests preion medication abuse is a growing issue.

Council chairman Mark Murnin said the increasing number of deaths linked to drugs was concerning, as was the abuse of preion medication.

“The worrying trend about the number of people losing their lives is the connection with preion drugs and the easy access that there is to them via the internet,” he said.

The council chairman said what is particularly concerning is that when people purchase drugs online they have no idea what they contain and while what they are buying may bear the name 

of well known brand, there is no guarantee the medication is legitimate.

“It is important we get the message out to people about the dangers of buying drugs on line. What they think they are buying and what they may receive are two different things,” he said.

“People have no idea what is going into these drugs or the source of the material being used. In today’s world, it is very easy to replicate brands.”

Cllr Murnin said “no area or class is not affected by the drugs problem” and explained that many people who have legitimately been prescribed drugs by their GP can sometimes become addicted to them.

“People can become addicted to prescription drugs through no fault of their own,” he continued.

The chairman also praised the various organisations who work with individuals who are suffering from a range of addiction problems, including drugs, alcohol and gambling.

He added: “It is important people know there are individuals and organisations out there who can help them with their addiction problems and I would urge them to get in touch. It is important people seek the help and support which can help them turn their lives around.

“If people are experiencing addiction problems, help is at hand and is delivered by people in a non-judgemental way. Help is available and I would encourage people who may be suffering to take that step towards getting help.”