The cost of living crisis could see an increase in the number of people using drugs, a substance charity fears. Kaleidoscope, a drugs and alcohol charity based in Cardiff, says it is already seeing an increase in the number of people, but fears this number could increase in the coming months.
The number of drug-related deaths in Wales reached an all-time high last year, with 210 people dying by drug misuse. Staff members at Kaleidoscope fear that the impact of the cost of living crisis could see drug deaths in the country worsen.
Cullan Mais, a former drug user, now supports people at the charity as a peer mentor, and fears drug use could worsen in the cost of living crisis persists. “The services are packed right now [...] It’s a tough pill to swallow,” he told WalesOnline.
