Just under 600 Australians between the ages of 15 and 54 died from accidental overdose of opioids, with the majority (70 per cent) being due to opioids other than heroin, including strong prescription painkillers.

Background: Prescription drug abuse is a rising problem in Australia and pharmaceutical drugs have been the most frequent contributors to overdose deaths in Victoria in recent years. Objective/s: The objectives of this article are to examine the main prescription drugs contributing to overdose deaths and to consider how doctors may help in reducing this problem...

This report was written as an evaluation of the Take Home Naloxone (THN) program at Access Health in St Kilda, Victoria. Access Health is a primary health service, managed by The Salvation Army Crisis Services located in the adjoining building in Grey St, St Kilda.