Cocaine-related deaths continue to rise across England and Wales.
Snorting cocaine (and other drugs) can result in a condition often referred to as Coke Nose where the nasal septum (a thin wall of cartilage and bone that separates the two nostrils) is perforated or destroyed. This can lead to congestion, nosebleeds, loss of smell senses, and a collapse of the nasal bridge.
This damage is not limited to cocaine, but will also occur after methamphetamine use, albeit with slightly different mechanisms. Cocaine tends to cut off the blood flow, whereas methamphetamine’s corrosiveness tends to damage the tissues.
Bill took a quick “snort-break” in his van, he didn’t know the construction site had been evacuated due to a gas leak. As he returned to the site, he lit a cigarette….
In 2021, there were 840 fatalities linked to cocaine use. This increased to 857 in 2022 and surged to 1,087 in 2023. Tragically, men are disproportionately represented in these statistics.
While many might assume that London, with its reputation for high-end cocaine use, would record the highest mortality rates, the reality is different. The North East and North West of England experience the highest rates of cocaine-related deaths.
This data underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions, education, and harm reduction strategies.
DSRM is a provider of drugs' education designed for the Construction Industry.
DSRM - Anthony Hegarty MSc
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