Drug overdose deaths rise more than 54% in five years
Fatal drug overdoses in New Zealand have risen 54% in the past five years, which advocates say is ‘‘simply unacceptable’’.
The increase – driven by a growing number of deaths from opioids, alcohol and benzodiazepines – was highlighted in a Drug Foundation report, released today.
An analysis of coronial data identified 702 overdose deaths between 2017-21. Last year, 171 people died from an overdose, up from 111 five years ago.
Drug Foundation executive director Sarah Helm, said overdoses were preventable, but the issue had been ‘‘neglected’’ for decades, and action needed to be taken. ‘‘Every year, New Zealanders’ lives are lost to drug overdoses. Every one of these people’s lives deserved to be saved.’’
There was an increase in overdose deaths in 2017/18, when the synthetic cannabinoid crisis peaked. 2020 and 2021 also saw a ‘‘sharp’’ increase in alcohol deaths.
In most cases, multiple substances were identified in the toxicology report, so it wasn’t possible to know definitively which substance (or combination) was responsible.
Of the 702 overdose deaths, there were 333 opioid cases, 129 alcohol cases, 88 benzodiazepine cases, 57 synthetic cannabinoid cases, 49 stimulant cases and 47 ‘other’ drugs cases.
Over five years, 42% of closed cases listed five or more substances (illicit drugs, alcohol and over-the-counter and prescription medicines) on the toxicology report – just 9% listed only one.
Ma¯ori were disproportionately affected by fatal drug overdoses, the report stated.
Despite making up 15% of the population, Ma¯ori accounted for 27% of closed overdose cases between 2017-21.
Based on population rates, Ma¯ori were approximately three times more likely to die of an overdose than Pa¯keha¯.
Helm said there was ‘‘so much we could and should be doing’’ to prevent overdose deaths, and increasing numbers ‘‘should be ringing alarm bells’’ for policymakers.
The foundation renewed calls for an overdose prevention centre pilot, which it said would take overdoses off Auckland streets, and reduce drug harm among vulnerable communities.
Drug use would be medically-supervised onsite, in case of an overdose.
It also called for funding for naloxone (a medicine used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses), as another ‘‘quick and inexpensive intervention’’ the Government could ‘‘swiftly’’ roll out.
Yesterday, it submitted a funding application to Pharmac for the nasal-spray form of naloxone, which is easier to use, and preferred by people who use drugs, their loved ones, and first-responders.
The report recommended several other interventions, including replacing the Misuse of Drugs Act with a health-based approach, and better training for communities and health professionals.