Women who are divorced or separated triple the risk of death from drug abuse, new government statistics show.
The NI Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) figures also showed that divorce or separation doubles the risk of alcohol death for females.
The study also found that single women were also at an 86% increased risk of an alcohol related death than married women.
For men, it doubled their mortality risk factor for drugs and increased by 75% for alcohol.
Both drug and alcohol deaths were described as “a major public health challenge” which has increased significantly over the last decade.
Drug-related deaths were up 47%, from 115 in 2013 to 169 in 2023.
Alcohol-specific deaths in the same period rose by 65%, from 206 to 341.
Both categories disproportionately affected men, those living in urban areas (particularly greater Belfast) and residents in the most deprived areas.
Drug-related deaths have increased by 47% in Northern Ireland, from 115 in 2013 to 169 in 2023. (Paul Faith/PA) Drug-related deaths
While already established that drug-related deaths are higher among males and younger age groups in urban areas, the figures also showed several differences between sexes.
Being divorced or separated (vs married) tripled the risk of mortality for women and nearly doubled the risk for men.
Living alone or being the sole parent increased the risk for men as well as having no qualifications or employment.
For women, risk factors included being single or divorced as well as those with a disability, being economically inactive (such as those with caring responsibilities) and those living in socially-rented accommodation.
The study notes that not all individuals in these groups experience social isolation, but targeted support may be beneficial.
It was also reported that drug-related mortality was second-highest cause of death for those aged 15-49, behind suicide for men and cancer for females.
Men accounted for 70% of drug-related deaths in 16-64 year-olds, and 90% of 16-44 year-olds.
Alcohol-specific deaths in Northern Ireland are up 65%, from 206 in 2013 to 341 in 2023. (Yui Mok/PA) Alcohol-specific deaths
The findings for alcohol-specific deaths reinforced patterns that deaths were more common among men, especially those aged 35-54 and urban residents.
New insights showed that unemployment and economic inactivity were strongly associated.
Divorced or separated individuals faced higher risks as well as those living in social-rented housing or for men who lived alone.
Having a disability was associated with higher mortality risk for both sexes.
It was also noted that a direct link was sometimes difficult to establish, as harmful alcohol use may both contribute to and result from relationship breakdowns.
Being divorced or separated represented a 75% increase in risk for men while it doubled the risk for women.
Single women were also at an 86% increased risk than married women.
Living in social rented (vs owner occupied) accommodation increased risks for men (80%) and women (51%).
Males who were a child in a lone parent house were associated with a 70% higher risk, while males sharing accommodation with unrelated individuals were at a 52% increased risk.
Having a disability increased risk for men by 63% and doubled the risk for women.
Reporting poor mental health alone (without other conditions) increased the risk by 40% for women.
Concluding, the NISRA research said the findings showed the importance of addressing economic inactivity, social isolation and socio-economic inequalities.