key findings include:

• As in previous years, the most commonly reported substance group was opioids, reported in 150 deaths (71 per cent), of which 93 per cent involved heroin/morphine. 
• Other substances reported were diazepam, cocaine and methadone. Poly-drug use was reported in 62 per cent (n=131) of drug misuse deaths. 
• In 2021, the ratio of deaths amongst males and females was around 3:1. Drug misuse deaths amongst females was the highest recorded in 2021, with 57 deaths. 
• Most deaths occurred in those in the 40-44 year age group reported in 18 per cent of all drug deaths (n = 38) in 2021. 
• There were 13 drug deaths in people under the age of 25. 
• There remains considerable geographic variation in the age-standardised rates of drug misuse deaths across Wales, with rates ranging from 1.4 to 13.5 deaths per 100,000 population 
• Drug misuse deaths were over 5 times higher amongst those living in the 20 per cent most deprived areas compared with the 20 per cent least deprived areas in Wales