Drug poisoning deaths in Merseyside reached their highest level in seven years in 2025, with 236 fatalities recorded, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The 2025 data, released on Wednesday November 4, shows a 17.4% increase on the previous year, representing 35 additional deaths in just 12 months. The UKAT Group, which runs addiction treatment centres including Oasis Recovery Runcorn, said the regional toll is now 56.3% above pre-pandemic levels, when 151 deaths were recorded in 2019.
Sharp rises in Sefton, Knowsley and Wirral
Sefton experienced the sharpest annual rise, with deaths jumping by 56.7% from 30 to 47. Knowsley saw a significant increase of 42.1%, while deaths on the Wirral rose by 34.1%.
Liverpool continues to record the highest number of fatalities across the region, with 75 deaths in 2025, despite a 9.6% reduction on the previous year.
National figures show first decrease since 2012
The overall national picture is more positive. A total of 5,519 deaths related to drug poisoning were registered in England and Wales in 2025, 46 fewer than in 2024 (5,565 deaths). This was the first annual decrease in the rate since 2012, following 12 consecutive annual increases.
Merseyside is not the only area facing issues. The South West had the largest percentage increase in drug deaths, while the North West recorded an increase of 2.7%.
Long-term trend 'equally concerning'
UKAT argues the longer-term picture is equally concerning, with every local authority across Merseyside recording an increase in deaths since 2019. Sefton has seen deaths rise by 74.1%, followed by Wirral at 71.9% and St Helens at 68.4%.
With 85 more people dying from drug poisoning in 2025 than in 2019, the group said the latest findings highlight the scale of the challenge facing Merseyside and the urgent need to improve access to effective addiction support and treatment.
Zaheen Ahmed, head of drug therapy at The UKAT Group, said: "A 17% increase in drug poisoning deaths across Merseyside in just one year is deeply alarming.
"With 236 lives lost in 2025, the region is now experiencing its highest death toll in the seven years analysed, and deaths are more than 56% higher than before the pandemic.
"What is particularly concerning is the scale of the increases in areas like Sefton, Knowsley and Wirral, where the situation is deteriorating rapidly. These figures show that Merseyside's drug crisis is far from under control.
"We cannot allow these statistics to become just another set of numbers. Behind every death is a person, a family and a community devastated. We urgently need better access to treatment, earlier intervention and targeted support in the areas being hit hardest."
