Drug lobby groups have urged Tasmanians to be aware of the risks associated with addiction and prescription drugs, after an increase in overdoses nationally.
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Accidental drug overdose deaths have grown significantly across the country, Australia’s Annual Overdose Report 2016 found.
Accidental overdose deaths climbed from 705 in 2004 to 1137 in 2014, increasing by 61 per cent. The increase was attributed to a rise in overdose deaths in rural and regional areas, the report by health organisation the Penington Institute said.
Australians aged between 40 and 49 were found most likely to die of a drug overdose.
Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council of Tasmania chief executive Dr Becky Shelley said destigmatising addiction was vital.
“Agreeing with friends and loved ones [on] a plan about what to do in the event of an overdose can help to save lives,” Dr Shelley said.
“Friends and loved ones can administer naloxone while they wait for an ambulance, which may be particularly important in a rural setting.”
There was an 83 per cent increase in overdose deaths in regional and rural Australia between between 2008 and 2014. An 87 per cent increase in prescription opioid deaths was recorded in Australia over the same period.
Drug Education Network state manager Shirleyann Varney said the statistics reflected the substantial increase of prescription of opioid pain relief, but a lack of understanding about the associated risks.
“Even though legal, [prescription drugs] can cause significant harm, especially in polydrug use situations, where combined with alcohol for example,” Ms Varney said.
“The risk of mixing medicines with alcohol and other drugs is an area in which accessible and literacy friendly information needs to be provided for all [Tasmanians].”
A state government spokeswoman said the DHHS has worked to address the problem in Tasmania.
“The misuse, overuse and abuse of opioids and other prescription drugs of dependence is a significant public health issue in Tasmania, as it is across the country,” the spokeswoman said.
She said the DHHS introduced real time reporting for the dispensing of Schedule 8 drugs “to help reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with the misuse and diversion of prescription drugs of high abuse potential”.
