URGENT UPDATE: Over 2,272 Australians have tragically died from drug overdoses in the past year, prompting immediate calls for national action. New research from the Penington Institute reveals that more than six individuals are lost to overdoses every single day, with 80 percent of these deaths classified as accidental.
John Ryan, chief executive of the Penington Institute, emphasizes the alarming reality: “We’re losing significantly more Australians to drug overdoses than on our roads.” This devastating statistic highlights a crisis that has persisted for over a decade, with more than 2000 fatalities recorded each year for the last ten years.
In stark terms, Ryan noted, “Pause and consider that figure – it’s as if a Boeing 737 plane full of people crashed every month.” The data shows opioids are the leading cause, involved in nearly half of all unintentional overdose deaths.
The crisis is hitting older Australians particularly hard. Unintentional drug-induced deaths among those aged 50 to 59 have surged by an astonishing 305 percent, while deaths among individuals aged 60 to 69 have risen by 179 percent. Meanwhile, deaths among those under 30 have declined by 34 percent over the past 25 years.
The grim reality is even more pronounced for Indigenous Australians, who experience unintentional drug overdose deaths at a rate more than three and a half times higher than non-Indigenous Australians.
Jake Dizard, research director at the Penington Institute, has called for a comprehensive national prevention strategy. “Given the reality of many people taking drugs and always will be, what we want to see are evidence-based solutions,” he stated. “We’ve taken action on nicotine addiction and road toll deaths. We need to drastically take action to stop overdose deaths. These deaths are preventable.”
Dizard also urged for increased investment in the distribution of naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose.
As Australia grapples with this escalating crisis, the public is encouraged to share their stories in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day this August.
For immediate support, individuals can reach out to Lifeline at 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636.
The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated; action is needed now to address the preventable tragedies of drug overdoses across the nation. Share this article to raise awareness and encourage discussions around this critical issue.
