Australian drug related deaths at highest rate since late 1990s
Drug related deaths have reached alarming rates in Australia, with the nation recording its highest number in 20 years.
Australia has recorded its highest number of drug related deaths since the late 1990’s, driven by methamphetamine and prescription misuse. The Australian Bureau of Statistics shows a concerning increase in drug-related deaths, figures revealing this is now at 7.5 deaths per 100,000 Australians.
In 2016, there were 1,808 drug induced deaths registered in Australia. Prescription drugs caused the highest numbers of drug induced deaths last year. However, Australia has also seen a rapid increase in the number of people dying from methamphetamine overdoses. Many prescription induced deaths were associated with the use of Benzodiazepines and Oxycodone, medication typically used to manage anxiety and pain.
The death rate from Psychostimulants, which include methamphetamines and the drug 'ice', have quadrupled since 1999, and are now the third most common substances associated with drug deaths, with heroin being the fourth most common.
These rates are similar to rates recorded in the late 1990s when Australia was in the grip of a heroin crisis. However, the profile of Australians dying from drug related deaths today has changed. Middle aged men mixing a lethal cocktail of prescription drugs were more likely to die in an accidental drug related death than illegal drug users.
As an employer, it is your duty of care to provide a healthy and safe working environment for all employees and to identify and manage hazards in the workplace. Drug and Alcohol misuse increases the risk of accidents and incidents in the workplace and is estimated to cost Australian businesses billions of dollars annually. Australian Clinical Labs offers comprehensive national drug and alcohol testing to assist with the detection and management of drug and alcohol misuse among employees and contractors.
For more information on drug and alcohol screening, or to request a quote, simply call 13 LABS.
Resources:
1. Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2017. Drug induced deaths at highest rate since late 90s. Accessed via: http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/by%20Subject/3303.0~2016~Media%20Release~Drug%20Induced%20Deaths%20Increase%20in%202016%20(Media%20Release)~9