OPINION: New figures have revealed that drug-related deaths in England and Wales have reached record levels, with a significant increase in deaths linked to cocaine use among the worrying figures; Ian Hamilton, Honorary Fellow (Associate Professor) at the University of York, and Professor Harry Sumnall of Liverpool John Moores University, explore the possible reasons behind the latest data, and consider what can be done to address the challenges.

OPINION: The popularity of various illicit drugs changes regularly, with substance preference of users often dictated by the choices of manufacturers, logistical challenges and geopolitical events; Associate Professor Ian Hamilton of the University of York, and Professor Harry Sumnall of Liverpool John Moores University, highlight four street drugs that could pose a significant UK health threat in 2024.

OPINION: Growing use of nitrous oxide among young people in the UK has led to the Home Secretary ordering a review of the harm it causes; but Associate Professor Ian Hamilton of the University of York, and Professor Harry Sumnall of Liverpool John Moores University, argue that with no evidence that additional control is needed, an over-stretched drug treatment system and worrying signs of increased use of more harmful substances, efforts to look ‘tough on drugs’ by targeting laughing gas may be counter-productive.

Analysis: Across the globe homicide rates are falling, whilst in the UK they continue to rise. Professor Ian Hamilton, Professor Alex Stevens and Niamh Eastwood, Executive Director of Release, the UK centre of expertise on drugs and drugs law, discuss whether this increase is drug related or due to more complex societal factors.