Hundreds of people were admitted to hospital in Cumbria last year because drugs had affected their mental health.

The county saw 789 admissions for mental health conditions related to illicit substances - a figure up by more than 25 per cent in the last four years.

They are among an unprecedented 82,135 hospital admissions nationwide, with charities now warning the rise could be linked to high strength cannabis and amphetamines, which can cause depression, schizophrenia and psychosis.

The newly released data - from government body NHS Digital - covers the 12 months between April 2016 and March last year.

It reveals 551 of the admissions to Cumbria's acute hospitals were men, while 238 were women.

In 90 cases, drug use was the primary factor behind the mental health episode - a small drop on the previous year.

But the largest proportion of cases recorded - where drug use was a complicating factor in a mental health episode - grew.

Danielle Hamm, from Rethink Mental Illness, said: "Certain drugs have been known to prompt a mental illness.

"For example, strong cannabis known as skunk has been linked to schizophrenia.

"We also know that using drugs when you have a mental health problem can complicate your recovery and can increase the likelihood of self-harm and suicide.

"We need more research on this, as it's a complex area and there are a myriad of reasons for the rise in people being admitted to hospital because of both drug and mental health problems over the last decade."

Overall, the North West was found to have the highest rate of drug related hospital admissions in the country, with 225 per 100,000 people.

In Cumbria this figure was 180 per 100,000.

Local health chiefs have stressed that those who need support are given it.

A spokeswoman for North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust and Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust said: “If a patient is admitted to an acute hospital and also requires support for their mental health, they are actively monitored during their hospital stay by the acute liaison mental health team to ensure they receive the level of support they need.

"When they are discharged from hospital services, if appropriate, they are referred onto other mental health services or the most suitable resource for their needs.

"If this is related to substance abuse, we refer to Unity, which is a local service.”

The NHS statistics also give the number of admissions for patients who have overdosed on illegal drugs, such as ecstasy or heroin.

County-wide clinicians made 149 admissions to hospital for drug poisoning - 74 men and 75 women.

This is a drop of 29 on the previous year.

Speaking about the rise in admissions, Ms Hamm added: "More awareness of the problem could be one reason, or if a drug and alcohol unit in an area has closed then it would also affect the number of people going to the nearest hospital for treatment.

"We also don't know whether it's the same people being admitted over and over, or different people every time.

"The details are hazy but the most important thing is that people who are in need know where to go to get help, so we would encourage anyone who is worried about their mental health and their drug use to contact their GP."

Drugs and mental health - the facts

  • Drug-related mental health admissions in Cumbria 2016/17 - 789
  • The figure nationwide - 82,135
  • This has more than doubled since 2006/07 when the figure was - 38,170
  • Number of people admitted to hospital with drug poisoning in Cumbria - 149
  • Number of registered deaths from drugs nationwide - 2,593

Is there a link between taking drugs and mental health?

Yes. How drugs affect your mental health depends on a number of factors such as the type of drug you take, how often you take it and whether you have an existing mental health condition.

For some people, using illicit drugs can cause psychosis or schizophrenia.

Others may find it alters their mood or they are more prone to depression.

England's most common drugs

1. Cannabis

2. Powder cocaine

3. Ecstacy

4. Amphetamines

5. Hallucinogens

Drug seizures in Cumbria

Cannabis is the most confiscated drug in Cumbria, government figures show.

The class B drug was seized 469 times by police in the county between April 2016 and March last year.

Cocaine had the second highest number of confiscations at 154, while heroin was recorded as the third most seized drug with 91.

The figures, published by the Home Office, reveal they were among 298 class A substances taken by police, 523 class B seizures and 58 class C drugs.

A further 47 were recorded as unknown - with officers unable to determine exactly what the substance was.

The products were all destroyed when they were no longer required as evidence in ongoing investigations.

Detective Chief Inspector Nick Coughlan, of Cumbria Police, said: “Drugs have a negative effect on the whole community and as long as they are present we will continue to disrupt supply and use.

“We take a proactive approach to tackling drugs; they have no place in Cumbria and we will continue to work hard to irradicate them and prosecute offenders."

Class A drugs are those listed by the government as being the most addictive or harmful to users.

They include heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, LSD and morphine.

Class B includes cannabis, amphetamines, ketamine and barbituates.

Class C includes some prescription medicine which is used illicitly.

It can include 'benzos' like diazepam or Xanax.

It is illegal to possess, use or give away controlled drugs.

The most confiscated drugs in Cumbria in 2016/17

  • Cannabis - 469
  • Cocaine - 154
  • Heroin - 91
  • Amphetamines - 58
  • Enzodiazepine (Xanax/diazepam) - 46
  • Ecstasy - 36
  • Crack - 30