A new report reveals a notable increase in deaths caused by drug overdoses in Victoria during 2024.
According to the latest data from the Victorian Coroners Court, 584 deaths related to drug overdose were recorded last year, compared to 547 deaths in 2023.
Between 2015 and 2024, the annual age-standardized fatal overdose rate in Victoria averaged approximately 8.1 deaths per 100,000 people, during which time a substantial increase in illegal drug use was observed.
The drugs implicated in these deaths include heroin, methamphetamine, MDMA, cocaine, and GHB.
The highest rates of drug use and overdose deaths were reported in Melbourne and regional Victoria, which together accounted for 65% of all overdose fatalities across the state.
This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for enhanced public health interventions, harm reduction strategies, and support services to combat the growing crisis of drug overdose deaths in Victoria.
