The Rise in Heroin Addiction Related Fatalities

The weight of addiction, whatever the substance, can feel like an impossible burden for many. It is always important to know that you are not alone, and you can always seek support for your struggles with New Leaf Recovery in Birmingham.

With a rise in the number of fatalities related to heroin addiction across the UK in recent years, it is more important than ever to understand the risks associated with this substance, and what can lead to more severe consequences.

At New Leaf Recovery, we see the person behind the addiction and work with each individual to help them work through detoxification and rehabilitation. These steps help individuals to work on a brighter, substance free future. Whether for yourself or a loved one, seek support with us today.

Understanding The Substance: Heroin

Heroin is a substance sometimes also referred to as ‘opiates’ or ’opioids’. It is part of this broader category of drug that is derived from the opium poppy, with some variations also being synthetic versions. Whilst some opioids are used as a powerful painkiller in the medical sector, heroin is an illegal substance that is designed for a rapid and intense effect on the brain’s reward system.

Within the UK, drugs can go by many different names; being able to recognise these is often one of the first steps towards recognising a personal struggle with substance.

Some of the broader drug related categories include Opiates, Opioids, Narcotics.

Common street names for heroin can include:

• Smack
• Gear
• Brown
• Horse
• Skag
• Junk

Some people who have been using this substance for a period of time will also use a range of other terms, such as ‘Bash’ (diluted heroin), ‘Speedball’ (heroin and cocaine mix) or ‘snowballing’.

As with all substances, the name is often irrelevant when it comes to understanding the side effects and risks associated with addiction. The use of heroin, regardless of the name used to acquire it, remains the same physically, psychologically and emotionally. When heroin addiction takes hold, it creates a powerful hijacking of the central nervous system, leading to a rapid dependency forming.

Heroin Addiction Related Fatalities In The UK

One of the most shocking trends in recent years when looking at heroin addiction is the rise in fatalities associated with this form of substance. Since records began, the UK is currently facing one of its highest rates of drug related fatalities. The Office of National Statistics (2025) has shown that:

• In England and Wales in 2024, there were 5,565 deaths related to drug poisoning. This is the highest number on record since 1993!
• Roughly 47.1% of those deaths were associated with some involvement of opiates or opioids, such as heroin.

One of the biggest contributors to the rising fatalities associated with heroin addiction is the emergence of Nitazenes (synthetic opioids), which can be up to 500 times stronger than heroin. These are a frequently used substance across the UK and are ‘cut’ or contaminate the heroin supply, with users unknowingly abusing the substance. In 2023-2024, the number of deaths that were associated with nitazenes quadrupled.

It is alarming to see this rising trend across the UK in the last few years, with those struggling knowing when or where to seek support before fatality.

At New Leaf Recovery, we provide support, detoxification and rehabilitation for those struggling with heroin addiction. Whether struggling with heroin, or some other form of this substance, we can provide you with the right guidance and support needed to find a brighter, addiction free future. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team today to find out more for yourself or a loved one.

The Risks of Heroin Addiction

As with all forms of substance, heroin comes with associated risks that can result in life-altering complications.

The most obvious risk with addiction is overdosing. This occurs when you take too much of a substance at one time, and can often be considered an immediate threat; however, there are also a range of chronic risks to be aware of:

• Respiratory Failure: When using heroin, this slows down the heart and lung function which can cause issues with breathing, potentially stopping it altogether.
• Infection and Disease: Sharing needles or using unsterile equipment can lead to higher risks of HIV, Hepatitis B & C and bacterial heart infections.
• Psychological Decay: Struggling with a heroin addiction can cause severe depression, anxiety or a breakdown in social or familial relationships leading to isolation.

It is important to recognise when struggles with heroin addiction are becoming more serious in order to seek the right help and support. Whether for yourself or a loved one, don’t hesitate to speak with our team at New Leaf Recovery today and get the information you need to find the right path for recovery.

When To Seek Support

With drug supplies across the UK becoming more and more unpredictable, there is no time to wait to seek support for your addiction struggles. Some of the common signs to be aware of with your own behaviour, or the behaviour of those around you include:

• Experiencing nausea, tremors or pains when in withdrawal from the substance.
• Needing the drug more often in order to ‘function normally’ or achieve the same effects as previous usage.
• Finding yourself physically or mentally unable to stop using a substance.
• Spending more money on substance or finding yourself going in financial struggles or illegal acts to fund your addiction.

If any of the above are becoming more common within your behaviour, or you have been noticing these changes in someone around you, seek support today. At New Leaf Recovery, we are available 24/7 to help and guide you through your addiction struggles.

How New Leaf Recovery Support Your Detoxification & Rehabilitation

New Leaf Recovery is a private, residential addiction rehabilitation centre based in Birmingham, helping clients with their struggles in a safe space. We work with each individual to find a brighter future that is addiction free. Our services include:

• Detoxification: This is a medically supervised detoxification process with 24 hour support from our team. As you begin to withdraw, the symptoms can be uncomfortable and difficult; our team supports you through this and provides the support you need.
  • Please note that attempting detox at home can be dangerous. We always advise that you seek support to detox safely.
• Rehabilitation: Once you have completed detoxification, you will begin to work through our rehabilitation programme, helping you to process your emotions, find new ways of coping with triggers, and what the root cause of addiction may have been.
• A Range of Treatment Programmes: As part of our rehab programme, you will participate in a range of treatment therapies; each are proven to help in addiction rehabilitation. At New Leaf Recovery, we provide a range of therapies, including:
  • Art Therapy
  • Movement Therapy
  • Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Counselling
  • 1-2-1 & Group Therapy
  • Meditation
  • Health & Well-Being
• The 12 Steps Programme: We introduce residents to the 12 step programme from day one, regardless of length of stay. Longer stays increase the opportunity for this aspect of the programme to have a positive impact on a residents plans for their ongoing recovery. New Leaf aim to introduce the fellowship concept and build a strong foundation, ensuring clients can continue with this programme post-rehab.
• Aftercare & Relapse Prevention Support: Addiction recovery doesn’t just stop when clients leave; recovery is a life-long journey that can encounter hiccups along the way. For those who feel they would benefit from Aftercare Support, or have struggled with relapse, at New Leaf Recovery, we provide Aftercare sessions that are designed to help you work on maintaining sobriety when faced with daily challenges. It can also help those struggling with temptations to find strength in recovery before relapse.

If you would like to know more about our detoxification, rehabilitation or aftercare for heroin addiction, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team today. At New Leaf Recovery, we are available 24/7 to discuss your concerns or provide the support needed for yourself or a loved one.

Take The First Step Towards Heroin Addiction Treatment

With a rise in the fatalities associated with heroin addiction, seeking support is more important than ever. Whether you are struggling or have a loved one who has struggled with addiction, New Leaf Recovery in Birmingham is here to help and support everyone.

With residential rehabilitation stays available from 7 days through to 28 days, we have the right option to suit your needs. Speak with our team today and let us help give your recovery journey started.