By Alesha Capone
The number of drug overdoses recorded in Melbourne’s west has risen by more than a third across four years, according to a new report.
The Penington Institute released its Annual Overdose Report last week, which revealed that between 2014 and 2018, 227 people in the west died from a drug overdose.
In comparison, 167 people across the west died from a drug overdose between 2009 and 2013.
Brimbank recorded the highest number of overdose-related deaths (57, up from 47 previously), followed by Wyndham which recorded 46 deaths (35 previously).
Maribyrnong recorded 38 deaths (35 previously), 38 people also died in the Melton- Bacchus Marsh region (22 previously) and 32 people died in Hobsons Bay (18 previously)
Another area, including Keilor, Keilor Park and Keilor East – which was represented in the report as a separate region – recorded 16 overdose deaths (10 previously).
Geelong recorded the highest number of overdose deaths in the state, at 82 (52 previously).
The Penington Institute’s chief executive John Ryan said drug overdoses were “a hidden health crisis” in Australia.
The institute is calling on the federal government to commit to a National Overdose Prevention Strategy; to expand the Take Home Naloxone pilot to every state; and to roll out real-time prescription monitoring.
Werribee Mercy Hospital dual diagnosis nurse (alcohol or other drugs/mental health) Lithiya Jose said that drug and alcohol addiction “will almost certainly create significantly challenging and stressful times for those impacted as well as the members of their families”.
Ms Jose said that for friends and families of someone struggling with addiction, empathy was important.
“Being able to relate to the patient and to identify with and understand their feelings and challenges is paramount,” she said.
Ms Jose said that recovering from addiction could be a long journey for patients.
“However, we aspire to develop a treatment plan which focuses on their personal goals,” she said.
“For instance, we aim to build self-confidence. Starting with small steps while working toward a larger goal, abstinence or safe use may be most reasonable and achievable for many patients.”
For assistance, contact the state’s 24/7 alcohol and drug counselling and referral service DirectLine on 1800 888 236, or The Family Drug Support Australia Support Line: 1300 368 186.
