Tragic cost of drug deaths
ALMOST 1000 years of life were lost to accidental overdose deaths in Tasmania in 2017, a new report by a leading drug research and policy organisation has revealed.
According to Australia’s Annual Overdose Report released publicly by the Penington Institute today, 30 Tasmanians died of unintentional overdose in 2017 — equivalent to a rate of 5.7 people per 100,000.
The research found that every unintentional overdose death deprives its victim of 33 years of life on average.
The report focused on accidental deaths caused by drugs as ruled by a coroner, excluding drug deaths that were deemed homicidal, suicidal or of undetermined intent.
Opioids, including illicit drugs like heroin, as well as legal pharmaceuticals like morphine, oxycodone and fentanyl were the leading cause of unintentional overdose deaths in the state.
Depressant drugs like Diazepam and Temazepam, and recreational stimulants such as ice, speed and MDMA were the equal second-highest contributors.
Penington Institute CEO John Ryan called on governments and other decisionmakers around Australia to “wake up to the scale of this unfolding crisis”.
He said unintentional overdose deaths in greater Hobart increased from 80 in the five years from 2003-07 to 96 in 2013-17. “Not only is that 20 per cent more when compared to 2003-2007, it’s 96 too many,” Mr Ryan said.
“The effect of overdose, particularly in smaller, tight-knit communities, is profound. Just one death creates a ripple effect that is felt for many years.
“What’s more, all these deaths are completely avoidable. We know what works in saving lives and reducing the harm from overdose deaths. We’re just not doing enough of it.”
Australia’s first real-time prescription monitoring system, Dora, was introduced to track the use of opioids and other drugs of dependence in the state in 2011.
It alerts doctors and pharmacists to people who might be misusing prescription drugs.
“We know there is always more to do, which is why we are investing $6 million over three years to support more community rehabilitation beds and to boost services to Tasmanians battling alcohol and drug addiction,” a State Government spokesman said yesterday.
Australia’s Annual Overdose Report 2019 was released in the lead up to International Overdose Awareness Day, which will take place on Saturday.
To make an appointment with Alcohol and Drug Services call 1300 139 641 — services are provided statewide at no cost. You can also phone the Alcohol and Drug Information Service 24-hour free hotline on 1800 250 015.