New research from King’s College London reveals that opioid-related deaths in England and Wales over the past decade are about 55% higher than previously recorded.
From 2011 to 2022, researchers estimate 39,232 opioid deaths, compared to 25,364 based on official figures.
The study shows that while overall drug-death totals may be accurate, deaths from specific substances—such as heroin, morphine, methadone, tramadol, dihydrocodeine and fentanyl—are undercounted. The core issue lies in limited access by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to post-mortem and toxicology reports.
For example, in 2011 the ONS reported 574 heroin/morphine-related deaths; researchers estimated an additional 239 were missed. By 2022, the gap had grown, with 1,264 deaths recorded and an estimated total of 1,980.
Dr Caroline Copeland, leading the research, warns that these missing figures hamper effective public health planning, funding, and prevention efforts. Accurate reporting, especially in polydrug deaths, she argues, is essential to address this growing crisis.
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