Drug Poisoning Deaths in Brighton and Hove Rise by 28 Per Cent

Deaths Rise Sharply

Drug poisoning deaths in Brighton and Hove increased significantly last year, jumping from 39 in 2024 to 50 in 2025. The Office for National Statistics released the figures on 4 November.

This marks a return to higher levels after 2024 had been the lowest year since 2021. Drug poisoning deaths include both intentional and accidental poisoning through controlled and non-controlled drugs, as well as deaths from mental and behavioural disorders caused by drug use.

Stark Picture for Males

The data reveals a particularly serious issue among men in the area. Brighton and Hove's male death rate stands at 17.6 per 100,000, which is more than twice the England rate of 8.7 and about 2.5 times the South East rate of 7.0.

Of the 50 deaths recorded in 2025, 36 were classified as drug misuse deaths, a significant rise from 25 in 2024. Drug misuse deaths are a subset of drug poisoning deaths, based on specific ONS criteria where a drug controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 was mentioned in the death record.

Wider Sussex Picture

Across the wider Sussex region, the situation remains concerning. East Sussex recorded 53 drug poisoning deaths and West Sussex 63, bringing the total for both counties to 166 deaths in 2025. This represents a slight increase from 162 in 2024.

In East Sussex, Eastbourne saw 13 deaths, Hastings 12 and Lewes 11. West Sussex figures included 17 deaths in Arun and 10 in Worthing.

Recording Delays

The ONS figures are based on the year deaths are registered rather than the year they occurred, due to registration delays. This means some of these deaths may have taken place at different times.

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