THE number of overdose deaths in the Southern Grampians in 2021 remained steady while Victoria saw an overall decline according to data released last week by the Coroners Court of Victoria.

The Victorian Overdose Deaths 2012-2021 report stated that two people in the Southern Grampians Shire lost their lives to overdose in 2021, compared with one person in 2020.

Across the state, 500 people lost their lives due to overdose in 2021, which showed a decrease from the 536 lives lost in 2020.

The term ‘overdose’ refers to any death where the expert death investigators – such as the coroner, forensic pathologist and forensic toxicologist – determined the acute toxic effects of a drug or drugs played a contributory role.

While the statistics for the Southern Grampians remained at a low rate, the data highlighted concerning trends across the state over the past decade, such as the highest number of men fatally overdosing (353), the highest number of fatal overdoses with methamphetamine (137), and the highest number of fatal overdoses with alcohol as the sole contributing substance (53).

Brophy Youth Specialist Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) team leader, Jessica Moloney, said locally methamphetamine was not a significant concern among young people, and while alcohol was still a popular substance, they were seeing a positive change in youth attitudes towards it.

“We have limited methamphetamine use referrals with youth due to the quality of the substance and availability in the area,” she said.

“Alcohol remains a primary secondary substance.

“We’re keen to help young people avoid binge drinking when they do consume alcohol and encourage responsible consumption to improve health and wellbeing both presently and in the future.

“There has been a significant decrease in alcohol as the primary substance of choice, with our research finding many young people are choosing to not drink alcohol due to feeling out of control, not liking who they are when they drink and avoiding hangovers.”

The Coroners Court of Victoria report also revealed regional fatal overdoses declined from 140 to 101 between 2020-21, which was the lowest number recorded since 2014.

Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA) executive officer, Sam Biondo, said the introduction of SafeScript – which monitors prescription medicines that present the greatest risk of harm for the Victorian community – has assisted to reduce the portion of fatal overdoses involving pharmaceuticals, however, they are still involved in 75.2 per cent of fatal overdoses.

The release of the report lined up with International Overdose Awareness Day – an annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind – which was held last Wednesday.

Ms Moloney said annual events such as International Overdose Awareness Day were important as they prompted conversations about topics that often are not discussed.

“Stigma is still an issue in Australia despite an increase in overdose awareness,” she said.

“The way to continue to support those in our community who use substances is to keep the conversation happening and look for positive interventions.

“It’s important to make sure people feel empowered to access support.

“The more the public can educate themselves with facts around substance use and ways to support those using substances, the more people will feel they can access ongoing support they may need.”

Ms Moloney encouraged anyone wanting to seek help for their alcohol and/or drug use to access the relevant community services available to them until they find one that meets their needs.  

“Our advice is to seek help around the community and try a range of interventions until you find something that works for you,” she said.

“Counselling and AOD support are not ‘one size fits all’ and we encourage people who might be unsure to try a range of different interventions so they can find one which suits best.

“Don’t give up hope and keep persisting as there will be a service which works for you.

“It’s just about finding the right fit.”

The Drug and Alcohol Responding Early (DARE) program offers Youth AOD Early Intervention services for young people aged between 12-25 and provides one-on-one and group work in the Greater South Coast (GSC).

The program works alongside young people to address their substance use and work towards their identified goals with the support of harm reduction, psychoeducation, and information.

DARE can be contacted by phoning Brophy Family and Youth Services on 03 5561 8888 and information is shared on their Instagram page.

If this story has raised issues about your own or others drug and alcohol use, please contact the national hotline for confidential counselling and referral on 1800 250 015.