AUSTRALIAN DRUG DEATHS
The Australian Bureau of Statistics data on accidental opiod overdose deaths for 2001 show-
In the age group 15 to 44 years for 2001-
There were 306 deaths caused by opioids.
77% of these deaths were to males.
45% of these deaths were in New South Wales.
The opioid death rate reduced from 36 deaths per million comared to 85 per million in 2000.
In the age group 45 to 54 years for 2001-
The opioid death rate has increased from 2 deaths per million in1988 to 31 deaths per million 10 years later in 1999.
The opioid death rate decreased by 20% between year 2000 and year 2001.
(Source:Australian Bureau of Statistics)
COMMENT
Reduction in the availability (supply) of opioids is the major reason for the reduction in the death rate from opioids for younger and older illicit drug users.
This proves that reduction in the supply of illicit drugs does have the effect of reducing drug overdoses and deaths.
However, policies that reduce the availablity of illicit drugs in the community will be undermined if illicit drug use is not reduced and if the number of users are allowed to increase.
The Drug Advisory Council of Australia supports-
Courts diverting illicit drug users into detoxification and rehabilitation to a drug free state.
Governments working to reduce the demand for illicit drugs.
Governments committed to reducing the number of illicit drug users and their impact on other members of the community.
Governments working to reduce the supply of illicit drugs.
The Drug Advisory Council of Australia Inc.
Our web site at www.daca.org.au has more facts about illicit drugs.
Issued 30/7/03