Three deaths from suspected heroin overdoses in Canberra in a single week is too many, and should have the government seriously considering its options to reduce such tragic events.
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Opioid drug overdoses can be simply and effectively reversed with the use of so-called heroin antidote, naloxone. But while knowledge of the existence of the life-saving medication is increasing in the ACT, it could be a lot higher. Meanwhile, other jurisdictions have poured funding into preventative measures including the medically supervised injecting room in Sydney and more beds in drug treatment centres in Victoria.
In the ACT, harm minimisation groups are calling for greater education of the community in the distribution and use of naloxone. They're also calling for the development of an opioid overdose strategy, which they hope will be included in the ACT Drug Strategy Action Plan, due at the end of the year.
While the drug user can’t administer naloxone themselves, the medication is supposed to be available in pharmacies over the counter and by prescription, to anyone in the community - including friends and family of drug users.
Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy manager Chris Gough said education was lacking, particularly where it’s needed most - in pharmacies. Not all stock the life-saving medication. Some aren’t even aware it is available to customers without a prescription, he said.
Naloxone reverses the effect of the drug by blocking opioid receptors in the brain. It is administered intramuscularly, has no associated high and isn't a drug of dependence.
Mr Gough said he was pushing for the naloxone nasal spray to be put on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, so it can be more widely accessed by friends and family of drug users.
There are so many benefits to the community by investing in drug treatment and harm minimisation, primarily saving lives but also reducing the economic and social costs of drug-related harm.
Deaths from heroin in the ACT rose from 17 in 2002-06 to 29 deaths in 2012-16. In 2014 alone, 18 Canberrans died from opioids, the highest number in a decade.
The ACT Drug Action Strategy Plan needs to tackle the problem head-on, and ensure the government is doing all it can to help stop preventable deaths from drugs.
