The New Zealand Drug Foundation just released a report looking at the latest overdose stats in New Zealand. It weighs heavily on us knowing that between 2016 and 2023, 1179 people lost their lives to accidental drug overdose in Aotearoa.
The thing is, overdoses are preventable. There’s a lot of important info that we can take from this report that could save your life. Here’s what we know.
Opioids are most likely to cause overdose
Opioids were the drug class most likely to cause a fatal overdose. This is the case in Aotearoa and worldwide. Opioids can cause your breathing to slow and stop. This can happen quickly, especially with large doses or potent opioids such as fentanyl or nitazenes. If you are using opioids, some ways to stay safer include:
-
Avoid using alone. Opioid overdoses can happen quickly, and it is important to have someone who can help if things go wrong. Make sure they know the signs of an opioid overdose to watch out for.
-
Have naloxone (the opioid overdose reversal drug) on you. If you do overdose, someone can give this to you. Watch our video on how to use the nasal spray form of naloxone, or learn how to use injectable naloxone.
Mixing drugs increases the risk of overdosing
Using multiple drugs or medicines at the same time is more likely to cause a fatal overdose. In fact, almost 90% of cases contained at least 2 drugs or medicines, and just under 45% of cases contained 5 or more. Some things to consider to stay safer include:
-
If possible, avoid using multiple drugs at the same time, including alcohol. If you do mix, consider only mixing 2 things, rather than several. The more things you take, the more unpredictable and risky the effects can be.
-
If you are mixing different drugs, consider taking lower doses of each to reduce the strain on your body. It’s also a good idea to space out your doses of both as much as possible.
-
Mixing depressant drugs together is the riskiest combination - this includes alcohol, opioids, benzos and cannabis. Consider avoiding these combinations.
-
Remember that prescription medicines can also interact in risky ways with drugs.
Prescription medicines are commonly involved in overdoses
Almost 70% of all overdose deaths had prescription medications involved. Prescription medicines can interact with illicit drugs and alcohol and increase your risk of overdosing. Opioids and benzos or ’z-drugs’ (i.e. zopiclone) are most likely to be involved in overdoses, followed by antidepressants/antianxiety medication and antipsychotics. If you are using drugs and taking prescription medicines, consider:
-
If you are comfortable speaking with your doctor about your drug use, they can help identify any dangerous combinations and medication alternatives to reduce your risk
-
Do your research before mixing drugs and medicines. You can use the Tripsit interactions checker and the drug interactions checker to research possible risky mixes.
-
If you are taking prescription medicines, consider taking a lower dose of drugs or alcohol than you might usually take. Many medicines can increase or alter the effects of drugs and alcohol.
If you get medical attention early you aren’t likely to die of an overdose
This one’s important! People who went to hospital for overdoses were very unlikely to die. Accidental overdoses are preventable and if you get medical attention in time, you’re likely to be OK. If you are around someone who you think might be overdosing, it’s really important to:
-
Know the signs of an overdose. Familiarize yourself with what overdoses look from different drugs. Call 111 if you notice signs of an overdose such as loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, seizures or high fevers
-
If you have naloxone on hand, give it to the person right away even if you aren’t sure if they have taken an opioid - it won’t hurt them
-
Let the ambulance or hospital know what you think the person has taken - this is important to make sure they get the best care possible. They won’t be in trouble for having taken drugs.
Drug overdoses have impacted the lives of many New Zealanders. Nobody should have to go through the pain of losing friends or whānau to drug overdose.
There’s a lot we can do as a community and as individuals to help prevent overdoses and look out for the people we love. For more information and advice on how to stay safer when using drugs, see our drug info pages.
If this article has brought up emotions or grief for you, help is available. You can free call or text Need to Talk on 1737 for grief support, or visit them here.
If you need support making changes to your alcohol and drug use, see our support options page on The Level.
Related stories
Recent stories
Tū Whakaruruhau: the study exploring meth experiences
Tū Whakaruruhau study aims to understand more about people's experiences with meth and learn how to help people overcome addiction.
Mana Over Meth: A story of recovery
We spoke to the two wāhine behind Mana Over Meth, a short documentary about the ways connection can help people overcome addiction.
Answering your questions about the meth disguised as lollies
To help clear things up, we’ve answered your most common questions.