New figures show people are more likely to die from drugs used to treat stress than they are from illicit substances or alcohol.
Over the past 5 years, there were 58 reported deaths in Bendigo due to unintentional overdoses.
Figures show that local deaths jumped from 34 between 2012 and 2016 – compared to 31 deaths between 2007 and 2011 – with higher rates reported in regional areas.
Article continues after this ad
Advertisement
The Penington Institute’s Annual Overdose report shows people are more likely to die from accidental overdoses on Xanax and Valium than they are alcohol or illegal drugs.
The Institute says there’s an overdose crisis that needs urgent policy reform.
