Overdose

News7 November 2024

It's been 12 months since small amounts of illicit drugs were decriminalised in the Australian Capital Territory

Despite initial reservations, rates of drug use have remained similar while access to harm reduction services has increased.

Publications7 November 2024

Prioritizing opioid settlement funds for overdose prevention centers in the US

D4DPR argues that money from opioid litigation settlements should also be used for overdose prevention centres to mitigate future death and mortality and improve the quality of life for those who use drugs.

News6 November 2024

Drug overdose deaths in the US may be decreasing – but not for everyone

Recent statistics show a decline in US overdose deaths, but these rates are most likely rising in racialised minority communities due to disproportionate criminalisation and resource scarcity.

News21 October 2024

Canada: Founders of British Columbia's drug 'compassion club' file Charter challenge

DULF founders say shutting down compassion clubs poses great risks to people who use drugs by denying them access to safe supply amidst a drug deaths catastrophe.

News16 October 2024

Australia: ‘People are dying’: Rise of nitazenes should be treated as pandemic, injecting centre head says

In light of the grave threats posed by nitazenes in Australia, experts call for political support and scaling-up of drug checking services to reduce fatalities.

Events

Addressing the fentanyl overdose crisis effectively: evidence from the border and beyond

Online

10 October 2024 - 10 October 2024

Join experts in a webinar hosted by WOLA as they explore adverse effects of militarised drug policies and the need for effective, rights-based solutions to the overdose crisis.

News2 October 2024

Ireland: GPs and pharmacists support removal of criminal sanctions for drug users

The Irish College of General Practitioners and the Irish Pharmacy Union said that drug use should be decriminalised and paired with health-based interventions to combat rising rates of drug-related death.

News2 October 2024

Why drug overdose deaths in the US are dropping fast

Provisional data shows a 10.6% decrease in overdose deaths, and scaled-up public health and harm reduction efforts could be a contributing factor.

News13 September 2024

Overdose prevention centers are health care: Treat them as such

These harm reduction sites provide crucial preventive and lifesaving services, making them a key part of a health and rights approach.

Publications12 September 2024

Drug decriminalization, fentanyl, and fatal overdoses in Oregon

Zoorob et al. reveal fentanyl as a large driver of the US overdose epidemic, whilst dispelling misconceptions about the effect of Oregon's drug decriminalisation policies on rises in mortality and overdose rates.

News23 August 2024

Government of Ontario, Canada, to close 10 supervised consumption sites, ban new ones

Experts denounce catastrophic move that would slash safe supply programmes, consumption sites, or needle and syringe programs – all critical interventions.

Publications22 August 2024

“If everyone knew about this, how many lives could we save?”: Do drug suppliers have a role in reducing overdose risk?

Hedden-Claytone et al. explore the power of a harm reduction educational programme designed for people who supply drugs in mitigating drug-related harms.

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