Overdose Deaths Hit Record High as Experts Urge Greater Support for Patients
17 Jun 2026
According to the Penington Institute’s 2026 Overdose Snapshot, 2,596 Australians died from drug-induced causes in 2024, an increase of 10.7% compared to the previous year. Unintentional overdose deaths also reached a record high, rising to 2,091 deaths.
The data shows men aged 50–59 were the group most affected by unintentional overdoses. Opioids remained the most common drug involved, followed by stimulants and benzodiazepines.
Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Addiction Medicine, Dr Hester Wilson, said alcohol and other drug use is often misunderstood and should be treated as a health condition rather than a personal failing.
She said many people who experience overdose do not intend to harm themselves and highlighted the need to understand the reasons behind drug use, including chronic pain, dependence and other health conditions.
Dr Wilson also stressed the important role of GPs in identifying and supporting patients at risk. She said effective care requires time, trust and patient-centred conversations, particularly for people managing complex health issues alongside substance use.
The report found stimulant-related deaths increased significantly, with deaths involving methamphetamine, amphetamines and MDMA rising by 25.1% in one year. Cocaine-related deaths also increased by 28.2%.
At the same time, deaths linked to alcohol, antidepressants and antipsychotics declined compared to 2023.
Separate data released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that between 2012 and 2023, nearly 37,700 people who had accessed specialist alcohol and other drug treatment services died. Many of these deaths were considered potentially preventable, with accidental poisoning, suicide and liver disease among the leading causes.
Dr Wilson said the findings reinforce the vital role of general practice, as many people affected by alcohol and other drug issues regularly access GP services.
She said every overdose death is a tragedy and highlighted the importance of early support, harm reduction and access to appropriate treatment.
Overdose Deaths Hit Record High as Experts Urge Greater Support for Patients
Source: newsGP / Penington Institute