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The Escalating Crisis of Drug Abuse in Bendigo

Councillors Report 23-10-2023

As you know I like to do my councillor reports on issues facing the people of greater Bendigo & beyond.

My last reports were on:

Homelessness & the Retal crisis.

Mental Health issues.

Cost Living & The state of our economy.

My report this time is on:

The Escalating Crisis of Drug Abuse in Bendigo: A Call for Urgent Action

This report sheds light on the pressing issue of drug abuse in Bendigo, Victoria and Australia as a whole, a crisis that has reached alarming levels. The problem of drug abuse has escalated significantly in the past decade, presenting severe challenges for public health, law enforcement, social services, and the overall well-being of the community. This report delves into the impact of drug abuse in Bendigo, particularly concerning the misuse of prescription medications, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address this crisis.

Victoria has experienced a dramatic increase in drug abuse cases involving substances such as methamphetamine, heroin, and prescription drugs. This rise has far-reaching consequences, affecting crime rates, healthcare facilities, and the broader community. Bendigo, like many regional cities, has been deeply affected by drug-related issues, leading to heightened crime rates, straining healthcare resources, and negatively impacting the local economy.

Prescription Drug-Related Deaths: A Disturbing Trend

Prescription drugs have become a significant concern, leading to more deaths than illegal substances like heroin and methamphetamine combined. Disturbing statistics from the Penington Institute's Annual Unintentional Overdose Report reveal a stark reality: in 2018, 134 people in Victoria overdosed on prescription medications, more than double the number a decade earlier. The overdose rate in rural and regional Victoria is now 7.6 per 100,000, significantly higher than in metropolitan Melbourne.

Alarming Trends in Bendigo

In Bendigo, the situation is dire, with unintentional overdose deaths rising from 34 in 2012-2016 to 58 in 2017-2021. This equates to losing approximately one person every month in the Bendigo area alone. Shockingly, on a national scale, an Australian succumbs to a drug overdose every four hours.

Demographic Disparities and Regional Impact

The impact of drug abuse transcends demographics, affecting individuals across age groups. Contrary to common misconceptions, this crisis is not limited to the youth; the age group most affected is between 44 to 54+. Additionally, Indigenous Australians are disproportionately affected, being nearly four times more likely to die from unintentional drug overdoses compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts.

Urgency for Comprehensive Action

Between July 2020 and July 2022, Coroner’s Court of Victoria recorded 200 overdose deaths in regional Victoria, caused by both illicit and licit substances. The need for immediate and coordinated action cannot be overstated.

What can we do?

  • Strengthen Prescription Drug Monitoring.
  • Enhance Treatment and Rehabilitation Services
  • Community Education and Awareness:
  • Support Indigenous Communities: Develop culturally sensitive support programs aimed at Indigenous communities, addressing the specific challenges they face concerning drug abuse and overdose risks.

Conclusion

The escalating crisis of drug abuse, particularly concerning prescription medications, demands urgent attention from authorities, community organisations, and individuals alike. Only through comprehensive strategies, education, support, and collaboration can Bendigo and regional Victoria hope to stem the tide of this devastating epidemic and rebuild communities marred by the tragic consequences of drug abuse.

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