A WORRYING spike in drug deaths across Cumbria has prompted an urgent warning from health chiefs.

Police and health officials are now urgently investigating after there were 12 suspected drugs deaths across the county this month alone – more than three times the usual number for Cumbria.

There are fears that drug users may be putting themselves at greater risk by mixing more traditional controlled drugs such as heroin or cocaine with illegal fake pharmaceutical type drugs, often bought online.

Cumbria’s Director Public Health Colin Cox and Cumbria Police believe the apparent surge in drug related deaths – though not yet formally confirmed – may be linked to this trend. Two of the suspected drug deaths were in Carlisle.

But there have been similar tragedies this month in south and west Cumbria. Mr Cox warned people to be wary of pharmaceutical drugs that are not prescribed by a healthcare professional or that were ordered online.

They often contain unknown substances which can cause harm, and users should avoid taking multiple different kinds of illegal or prescription drugs due to the unknown, and potentially fatal, side effects.

Mr Cox said: “Sadly, people do die every month in Cumbria from drug overdoses, but the past month has been unusual, and while we do not yet know for certain all the deaths were drug related, we are concerned.

“I’m urging people to be careful and follow the advice being given; it could save your life.”

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Cooper, of Cumbria Police, said: “Whilst it is too early to say with any degree of certainty what is leading to this increase in deaths, our intelligence picture is indicating that experienced drug users are overdosing unexpectedly.

“People are believed to be taking multiple different types of drugs – illegal controlled drugs and non-prescribed drugs– without any way of knowing how these drugs will react with one another and what the impact will be for themselves.

”We have attended addresses following sudden deaths and recovered significant amounts of pharmaceutical drugs, with indications being that these drugs are being ordered online or bought from street dealers instead of prescribed by a medical professional.”

Buying anything online without knowing the source or seller comes with a significant risk– there is no way of knowing what you will get. Pills and medication normally prescribed by a qualified health professionals such as a GP should never be bought online without a properly conducted consultation.

In Cumbria, Recovery Steps supports people with drug and alcohol use issues.

Becky White, the organisation’s area manager, said: “Reducing the harm faced by people using substances is a priority for us and we urge anyone who needs support with their drug or alcohol use, or knows someone who does, to contact Recovery Steps Cumbria for free and confidential advice.

“If you are going to use drugs there are several steps you can follow to reduce the risk, these include not using drugs alone, carrying naloxone and knowing how to use it, not mixing your drugs with other substances including alcohol, and calling 999 as soon as someone shows signs of an overdose.”

If you suspect someone has overdosed, call 999 and seek medical help immediately.