Figures have revealed some of our towns have the highest death rates from heroin and morphine misuse

The Office for National Statistics has revealed that five of the 10 local authority districts in England and Wales with the highest rates of heroin- and/or morphine-misuse deaths are coastal regions.

Many of these have been synonymous with seaside holidays, but concerns have also been raised at how some are considerably exceeding the national average.

Blackpool has 14 heroin and/or morphine misuse deaths per 100,000 people, compared with a national average of just 1.7 in England and 2.3 in Wales and is almost twice as high as the area with the next highest rate of heroin and/or morphine misuse deaths.

Burnley, 30 miles away from Blackpool has a rate of 7.6 per 100,000. Other areas badly affected include Hastings (6.5 deaths per 100,000), Reading (5.8 deaths per 100,000) and Neath Port Talbot (5.7 deaths per 100,000).

Coming to terms with both addiction and the bereavement of a loved one can be difficult for all involved.

For more information and support for addiction, visit Counselling Directory.