More medically-supervised injecting centres are needed across Australia to help prevent drug overdose deaths, safety advocates say. or signup to continue reading Action is overdue and urgently required as dangerous synthetic opioids continue to be detected, Alcohol and Drug Foundation chief executive Erin Lalor says. "Governments need to act now to stop future harms, including better access to the life-saving opioid overdose reversal drug, naloxone, as well as increased public drug checking services and overdose prevention services," Dr Lalor said.
Her calls come after Victoria recorded 547 fatal overdoses in 2023 - three fewer than the state's deadliest year on record in 2022 - according to an annual report released on Thursday by the Coroners Court. About three quarters of overdose deaths occurred in metropolitan Melbourne, with a majority involving multiple drugs. Diazepam, a sedative often used to treat anxiety, was the deadliest drug contributing to overdose deaths.
Heroin accounted for the second-highest number of deaths, but overall numbers decreased from 230 in 2022 to 204. Methamphetamines were the third-highest contributor. The City of Yarra, which hosts a medically supervised injecting room in North Richmond, recorded 19 deaths - five more than the previous year.
From July 2023 to June, the injecting facility had more than 98,000 visits and safely managed 1750 overdoses with no loss of life. The Victorian Drugs and Alcohol Association said the data showed a clear n.
