Deaths from drugs poisoning have more than doubled in Cumbria during the past decade, according to shocking new national statistics.

Figures released from the Office for National Statistics show that since 2005 deaths caused by legal and illegal drugs in the county have jumped from 36 to 73, causing county officials to demand more be done to reduce the devastating toll of drugs in our communities.

Barrow had the highest number of drugs-related deaths in the county at 9.9 per 100,000 citizens. The nearest figure was 5.7 per 100,000 in Allerdale.

Incidents for other areas were: 5.2 in Carlisle; 2.0 in Copeland; 5.3 in Eden; and 5.1 in South Lakeland.

MP for Barrow and Furness John Woodcock said the government’s drug strategy was failing people county-wide.

He said: “The government’s approach to drug and addiction services in Cumbria is failing, and double the number of drug-related deaths in 10 years is simply terrifying.

“We know we have a long-standing drug problem locally, but it is absolutely shocking that people are dying when savage cuts and restrictions in funding are getting in the way of helping people to give up drugs.”

The county council, which oversees public health, said a collaborative approach was required to addressing this problem.

A spokesman said: “The issue of drug misuse is complex and one that requires working in true partnership.”

Cumbria Police have said their efforts to crack down on the flow of drugs into the county will continue.

One campaigner believes removing the stigma surrounding addiction will help reduce the number of people turning to drink and drugs.

Leigh Williams, chief executive of the Cumbria Alcohol and Drug Advisory Service (CADAS), said preventing drug use was better than curing it.

She said: "We'd like to see a reduction in the stigma, we campaign to reduce the stigma around drug and alcohol abuse. People will be labelled 'druggies' or 'alkies', it's embarrassing asking for help."

She added that education early on to let younger people know help was available to them, and that there was no shame in seeking it, would nip addiction in the bud.

She said: "Prevention is better than a cure."

Visit www.cadas.co.uk for help and support.