Drug deaths in Weymouth and Portland account to nearly half in Dorset, latest figures have revealed.

According to NHS England from 2014-16, there were 17 drug abuse deaths in Weymouth and Portland.

This is a drop from 20 deaths in 2013-15 – but it still acquaints to 41 per cent of the total drug misuse deaths in Dorset.

Dorset County Council says the rates of drug use in Weymouth are double that in the county as a whole, and more than 40 per cent of those who currently access treatment in Dorset live in Weymouth and Portland.

The rates of drug use locally is the reason why the county council wants to set up a drug recovery hub, with funding from Public Health England. An application to site the hub in Abbotsbury Road was withdrawn after objections. It is understood the council continues to seek a suitable location for the facility.

Across Dorset there have been more than 300 hospital admissions for drug-related mental health issues.

Charities have warned that these numbers could be due to high strength cannabis and amphetamines, which they say can cause schizophrenia, depression and psychosis.

There were 329 admission episodes for mental illnesses or behaviour disorders where the main cause or a contributing factor was drugs, between April 2016 and March 2017.

According to the NHS England figures that is a rise of six per cent from four years ago, when these records began. Although it's 63 fewer admissions than last year.

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, although figures show a decrease in many areas in the last year."

The statistics cover drug misuse, including hospital admissions, deaths and prevalence of drug use.

The data shows more men were admitted to hospital than women.

Of Dorset's 329 admissions, 235 were made by men and 94 by women. Drugs tended to be a contributing factor for mental health issues, rather than the main cause.

There were 37 cases where they were diagnosed as the primary reason for behaviour disorders.

These figures only indicate the number of admissions, not patients. They could include one patient who has been to hospital several times over the year.

Cllr Steve Butler, Dorset County Council Cabinet member for safeguarding, said: "These figures highlight the harm that substance misuse can cause to people who use drugs and those around them.

"Dorset County Council funds a range of support to help people who have issues with substance use, and their families.

"To find out more about the support available, visit edp.org.uk/reach or call 0800 0434656."