251 drug-related deaths registered in Northern Ireland in 2024
Date published:
New accredited official statistics published today by NISRA show drug-related deaths registered in Northern Ireland in 2024.
Key findings
- 251 drug-related deaths were registered in 2024. Of these, 219 (87.3%) met the drug misuse definition.
- The three-year rolling average rose to 191.3 deaths per year (2022–24), up from 178.7 (2021–23)
- Males made up more than two-thirds (70.9%) of drug-related deaths. The age-standardised mortality rate (ASMR) was 19.6 per 100,000 for males and 7.7 per 100,000 for females.
- People aged 35-44 had the highest ASMR rates. The rate was 30.1 per 100,000 for drug-related deaths and 27.0 per 100,000 for drug misuse deaths.
- Opioids were mentioned in 52.2% of deaths. Pregabalin was the single most mentioned drug, appearing in 40.2% of deaths.
- Deaths involving five or more drugs have become more common. They rose from 12.7% of deaths in 2014 to 21.9% in 2024.
- Belfast had the highest number of drug-related deaths (80) and the highest ASMR (21.6 per 100,000). All local government districts saw an increase from 2023.
- The most deprived areas accounted for 43.7% of all drug-related deaths over 2020-24. The least deprived areas accounted for 7.4%.
About this publication
This annual statistical bulletin covers drug-related and drug misuse deaths registered in Northern Ireland. It includes breakdowns by sex, age, drug type, cause of death, Health and Social Care Trust area, local government district, and deprivation level. Figures are based on deaths registered in NI that are known to be drug-related or a direct consequence of drug misuse. Annual comparisons should therefore be interpreted with caution. Three-year rolling averages are included to show longer-term trends. The statistics inform the Department of Health's strategy, Preventing Harm, Empowering Recovery.
Further information
For the full report, data tables and background information: Drug-Related and Drug Misuse Deaths 2014-2024