The latest report published by the New Zealand Drug Foundation (2024) on International Overdose Day harshly reflects systemic issues and inequalities, highlighting how these issues exacerbate risks faced by people who use drugs. Data collected from 2016 to 2023 reveals 1,179 accidental overdose reports in Aotearoa. The New Zealand Drug Foundation’s executive director, Sarah Helm, stated that “each of these numbers represents a person whose whānau, friend group and community has been ripped apart.”
Among trends mentioned by the NZ Drug Foundation (2024), opioids were seen to be predominately connected to fatalities, often when used in combination with other substances. Results noting synthetic cannabinoids, a substance that peaked in connected fatality in 2018, show a steady decline. The increase seen in deaths related to benzodiazepines in recent years, primarily when used in conjunction with other depressants, however, shows a clear need for action for targeted strategies.
Gender disparities are recognised in the report provided by the NZ Drug Foundation. 65.2% of accidental overdose deaths occurred in those who are male, and important mention was given concerning the lack of data representing individuals who are gender diverse.
The NZ Drug Foundation also reported that Māori individuals experience overdose mortality rates 2.4 times higher than non-Māori, emphasising an urgent need for more culturally competent healthcare services.
To read the full report visit the Drug Foundation website.