Number of drug-related deaths on the rise - Left for more prevention

At least 28 people died in Saxony last year after taking drugs. In addition, three cases of people who had already died in the previous year were subsequently reported to the authorities, according to a minor question by Left Party politician Juliane Nagel in the state parliament. Between 2019 and 2023, the number of deaths was between 20 and 24.

Nagel expressed her concern. "The state government must do more to promote prevention and appropriate treatment options. This must also be reflected in the funding of counseling and treatment services in the 2025/26 double budget," explained Juliane Nagel, member of the state parliament.

Most drug deaths in Leipzig and Dresden

Nagel had asked the state parliament for figures on deaths related to drugs, alcohol and tobacco consumption. Most drug-related deaths were recorded in Leipzig (17) and Dresden (4). In four cases each, methamphetamine and heroin in combination with other drugs were the cause. According to the Ministry of Social Affairs, at least 840 people died from alcohol-related illnesses and at least 2,921 people died from smoking-related illnesses in the state between January and October 2024.

Nagel pointed out that, after Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Saxony is the federal state with the highest proportion of people being treated for alcohol addiction. "The number of unreported cases will be much higher. Saxony should lobby the Bundesrat for a nationwide ban on alcohol advertising and a ban on the sale of tobacco - with the exception of specialist stores."