Overdose deaths increase across the region in 2020

Seventeen people died in the same areas in 2019, up from 12 in 2018.

Benalla fared reasonably well with only one overdose death, the rural city having recorded none in 2019.

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Just down the road in Wangaratta, however, six people died - twice the amount of 2019.

Statewide, alcohol contributed to 154 of the 526 Victorian overdose deaths, the second most on record.

Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association executive officer Sam Biondo said lockdowns and stay-at-home orders helped contribute to increase alcohol consumption.

“We know the way people consumed alcohol changed dramatically under COVID-19, with an increase in drinking occurring in the home, often in isolation,” Mr Biondo said.

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“It is not surprising that alcohol has made such a strong contribution to overdose in 2020, nor is it surprising that 2020 marked the highest rate of alcohol solely contributing to fatal overdose.”

Benzodiazepines were the largest contributor to overdoses, accounting for more than half of all overdose deaths.

Mr Biondo said pharmaceuticals continued to make the biggest contribution to fatal overdose, despite a small decrease on previous years, and said more support was required for people in need.

Heroin deaths across the state dipped from 212 to 187 from 2019-20, while MDMA, cocaine and GHB contributions to fatal overdoses all increased.

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Young people were adversely affected by overdoses last year compared to 2019, with the 18- to 24-year-old category recording 32 deaths compared to 23 in 2019, and those aged 25 to 34 jumping from 68 in 2019 to 94 last year.

Young men were significantly more likely to overdose, with 27 18- to 24-year-old men dying from overdose in 2020 compared to five women.

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