PENINGTON Institute has released its annual overdose report, and in contrast to previous years, has observed “small signs of progress”.

Overdose deaths have declined slightly from the peak in the late 2010s, with Penington suggesting that policy efforts, especially gradually improving naloxone access, may have contributed to the shift.

However, it said the wider picture “remains grim”, with more than 2,000 overdose deaths reported every year for the past decade.

And despite the recent improvements, the overdose death rate today is still substantially higher – almost double – than in 2001.

Around 78% of overdose deaths were unintentional.

Opioids continue to be the most common drug type associated with overdose deaths, while stimulants have replaced benzodiazepines as the second-most common drug type, increasing significantly between 2001 and 2023.

“Without strong national leadership, Australia will continue to lose lives unnecessarily,” said a Penington spokesperson.

“Proven solutions already exist including naloxone, drug-checking services, medication-assisted treatment, and innovative community education,” they continued.

They called for renewed national leadership and progress on a comprehensive national overdose prevention strategy – the report is HERE.

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