08/05/2024: Overdoses keep rising; Action urgently needed
New data released by the Penington Institute today has revealed an alarming increase in the number of drug-induced deaths reported in Australia, with 2,356 lives lost in 2022 – 79 more than in 2021 and almost double the road toll.
The Overdose Early Warning Snapshot, which provides preliminary analysis of overdose death data from 2022, also shows:
- Almost 80 per cent of drug-induced deaths (1,878) were unintentional – an almost eight per cent increase or 138 more deaths than in 2021.
- Opioids were the most common drug involved in unintentional deaths, increasing by 68 deaths since 2021. Unintentional deaths involving heroin increased by 40 per cent (328 deaths in 2021 to 460 in 2022). There were also notable increases in unintentional deaths involving alcohol and stimulants.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are almost four times more likely to experience unintentional drug-induced deaths, compared to non-Indigenous Australians. Men are also at higher risk, accounting for 70 per cent of all unintentional overdose deaths.
- Alarmingly, overdose deaths among 60–69-year-olds have increased by 37 per cent (202 deaths in 2021 to 276 in 2022).
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s CEO, Dr Erin Lalor, said the growing number of overdoses in Australia is unacceptably high, with action urgently needed.
“We can’t afford to further delay action to reduce these unacceptable numbers which have been increasing since 2006,” Dr Lalor said.
“These heartbreaking deaths are mostly preventable and have a ripple effect on the community, with friends and families suffering. Our thoughts are with everyone who has been impacted.”
Dr Lalor said a suite of measures is needed to prevent and reduce drug-related harms, including targeted education campaigns in populations at greater risk of unintentional overdose, addressing stigma, and stronger investments in harm reduction and prevention initiatives, and treatment services.
“Using drugs, including pharmaceuticals and alcohol, always carries some risk. Mixing drugs is particularly dangerous and increases a person’s risk of injuries, overdose, dependence, and even death,” Dr Lalor continued.
“Ongoing, long-term investment into drug-related harm prevention and reduction initiatives, like supervised injecting facilities and better access to naloxone, which can reverse an opioid overdose, as well as more treatment services, will save lives.
"We also need stronger investments to reduce stigma which can stop people seeking help and support, negatively impacting their health, wellbeing, employment and social outcomes.
“Health-based approaches to drug use will benefit the whole community as they can help to reduce stigma, prompt more people to reach out for help and support, and reduce drug-related harms such as deaths and disease.”
For support or advice, visit adf.org.au or call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 .
If you are worried about your own, or a friend or relative’s alcohol or other drug use, you can visit Path2Help. This free online tool will connect you with local services in your area that can help you have that initial conversation.
ENDS
For media enquiries please call the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s media team on 0430 948 380 or email media@adf.org.au.