Alcohol and substance abuse deaths soar, new official figures show, with experts blaming excessive boozing and drug taking triggered during lockdown

Fatalities from substance abuse rose to almost 13,000 in England and in excess of 800 in Wales in 2022. Both figures represent significant rises on pre-pandemic. Fatalities from substance abuse rose to almost 13,000 in England and in excess of 800 in Wales in 2022. Both figures represent significant rises on pre-pandemic.