May 5, 2023
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners has called on politicians to end the “war on drugs” and act to save lives.
It comes following a report from the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre which found that there were 1788 drug-induced deaths Australia-wide in 2021, which is the equivalent of five drug-induced deaths every day.
Natural and semi-synthetic pharmaceutical opioids, including morphine and oxycodone, were the primary opioids involved in overdose deaths, followed by heroin.
RACGP president Dr Nicole Higgins called for action.
“We have made in-roads in Australia, including recent announcements such as the Queensland Government expanding police drug diversion programs for people carrying small amounts of illicit drugs. However, as the RACGP has noted recently – we have a long way to go.
“There are also limitations affecting people across Australia including access to ready and affordable drug and alcohol treatment, particularly for those with opioid dependence.”
RACGP Alcohol and Other Drugs spokesperson Dr Hester Wilson said that there wasn’t a moment to lose.
“People who are using drugs often have tremendous difficultly quitting so we should not put an arbitrary limit on the number of times they can be diverted from the criminal justice system. We don’t do the same for people quitting cigarettes, and really, it’s no different – quitting a harmful and addictive substance takes time,” she said.
“It’s also vital that we boost access to naloxone, a drug that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. More must be done to get this drug into the hands of people who need it most – including people at risk of overdose and their loved ones.
“Not enough people know about this incredible, life-saving drug, including the fact that an intranasal spray version is now available meaning you don’t have to inject it.
“It’s vital to spread the message that naloxone is now free under the Take Home Naloxone program at locations including pharmacies, treatment centres, needle and syringe programs and custodial release programs and you don’t need a prescription.
“Let’s boost awareness amongst GPs, other healthcare workers including nurses, people who use opioid drugs, people who know people who use these drugs, and the broader community – everyone needs to know about the benefits of naloxone.
“As I have said many times before – people who have a problematic relationship with alcohol and other drugs, including opioids like oxycodone, need help, support and compassion. Throwing them into gaol or judging them or pushing them to the margins of society doesn’t achieve anything and, in my view, diminishes us as a nation. Every person’s life matters, it’s as simple as that.”
- Related article: Drug Diversion Powers Expanded
