Jennifer Pittorino
More than 56 people died of unintentional drug overdoses between 2017 and 2021 in the Maribyrnong area, according to a new report by the Penington Institute.
Data from the report shows that 38 people died in the 2007-2011 period, decreasing in the 2012-2017 period to 25, and then rising dramatically in the last three years.
Western Health Addiction Medicine unit head Dr Jon Cook said the population in Melbourne’s west is increasing rapidly but drug use levels are not declining.
“The statistics in the Penington Report are more than just numbers to us,” he said.
“Tragically, many families in the Maribyrnong area have lost a loved one in the four-year period covered by the report. Any loss of life through overdose is a tragedy.
“Addiction can affect people from all walks of life. The sooner we can get people into treatment, the more lives we can save.
“We can do this by reducing the stigma of drug use, raising awareness of the services and supports available in the west, and boosting service capacity, especially in high growth areas such as Melbourne’s west.”
Mr Cook said the social stigma of drug use can make people hesitate to come forward.
“Our message to the community is to seek the help that you need, when you need it – whether it’s for yourself or someone close to you,“ he said.
“Remember that help is available to treat long-term addiction, and if you are with someone who you believe has overdosed, call for medical help straight away.”
Nationally, there were 2,231 drug-induced deaths reported in 2021, with 75 per cent of these deaths being unintentional.
Penington Institute chief executive John Ryan said the report findings are cause for concern for all Australians and called for immediate action to address the nation’s “overdose crisis”.
“Overdose deaths in Australia have exceeded the road toll since 2014, and we see little to no action to demonstrably change this,”he said.
“This is one of the world’s worst public health crises, with a devastating toll on individuals, communities, and economies the world over. And yet, with the right interventions, overdose deaths are preventable.”
Mr Ryan urged governments, healthcare providers, and communities to take urgent action.
“The time to address this national crisis is now.”
