Pregabalin named most in NI drug-related deaths

Pregabalin was the drug which was most mentioned in drug-related deaths across Northern Ireland in 2023, according to official statistics.

It was mentioned in 67 of 169 drug-related deaths.

It is prescribed for conditions, including epilepsy, but some people use it recreationally and it can cause breathing problems, especially when mixed with alcohol or with other street drugs that have a sedative effect.

Deaths connected to pregabalin have been increasing over the past decade.

Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra) figures also show that opioids were connected to 103 drug-related deaths.

The 25-34 age group had the highest drug-related and drug misuse mortality rate in 2023.

Males accounted for around two-thirds of drug-related deaths in 2023, which is similar to previous years.

The 2023 deaths are a 47% increase in 10 years.

The total number registered in 2013 was 115.

However, since then, registered deaths due to drug-related causes peaked at 218 in 2020.

Drug misuse deaths have also increased from 79 in 2013 to a peak of 185 in 2020 and then falling to 146 in 2023.

The number of deaths which involved two or more drugs increased to 74.6% in 2023 from 53% in 2012.

Cocaine was named as the predominant substance in deaths involving only one drug in 2023.

Over the last decade, the number of deaths involving alcohol has declined from 28.7% in 2013 to 18.3% in 2023.