Fatal heroin, ice oversdoses rising across Geelong as Barwon Health warns over fake “benzos”

Authorities have issued a warning over “unpredictable” pills circulating in Geelong, which are among the leading cause of overdose deaths.

A fake pill warning has been issued by a Barwon Health director following a rise in counterfeit benzodiazepines.

It comes as Barwon Health reversed more than 66 overdoses in the 2021-2022 financial year.

Mental health drugs and alcohol services clinical director Professor Steve Moylan said the use of illicit drugs were “forever changing” in the region, particularly with a rise in synthetic substances over the past year.

The drug also known as “benzos” is a type of sedative medication that slows down the body and can often be used to treat anxiety and insomnia.

Prof. Moylan said counterfeit benzodiazepines are often stronger and more unpredictable than its prescribed alternatives.

It comes as the Coroners Court of Victoria’s report into drug overdoses revealed the City of Greater Geelong had the second most fatalities across the state.

The region had also experienced a spike in fatal heroin and ice overdoses.

Despite the concerning statics, Prof Moylan said overall drug use had decreased.

“Whilst we have observed a reduction in drug use overall, there do remain significant potential harms,” he said.

“Our Harm Reduction team plays an important role in the community to help educate and provide consumers methods to minimise the harm of drug use, including the provision of naloxone, an effective, easy to use medication that temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid overdose.

“We have had 136 people returning to our Drug and Alcohol Service for naloxone (in the 2021-2022 financial year), which is a very positive sign as awareness continues to spread.”

The Coroners report further revealed that pharmaceutical drugs contributed to 75.2 per cent of overdose deaths in Victoria, with benzodiazepines being the leading cause.

Prof Moylan said signs of overdose can include a change in consciousness, a lack of response combined with shallow or slowed breathing and a bluish tint to their skin, especially the lips and fingernails.

“In the case of opioid overdose, which can include prescriber medications such as oxycodone, an early response is vital and we ask that first responders ensure they are safe to respond, and immediately call for help by calling triple-0,” he said.

Geelong’s fatal overdose rate rises

Fatal heroin and ice overdoses have surged in Geelong despite Victoria recording less overdose deaths.

The Coroners Court of Victoria has released new findings which revealed overdose deaths across the state had declined in 2021 following nearly a decade of year-on-year increases that peaked in 2018.

The City of Greater Geelong recorded five methamphetamine-related overdoses in 2021, four more than the year prior.

Heroin-related deaths also doubled over the same period, with ten reported deaths in 2021, making the region among the state’s equal second worst council areas for heroin overdose fatalities.

In 2021, the City of Greater Geelong also became the second worst council area for overall overdoses with 23 deaths recorded last year, up from 22 in 2020.

Victorian state Coroner Judge John Cain called the deaths preventable.

“While it is encouraging to see overdose deaths decline, it remains concerning that 500 Victorian’s lost their lives last year,” he said.

“It is critical that we improve access to supports, treatment and education.”

The coroner’s report revealed last year had resulted in the highest number of men fatally overdosing (353) over the past decade, as well as the highest number of fatal overdoses with methamphetamine (137).

Executive officer of the Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA), Sam Biondo said the release of the report was timely, with International Overdose Awareness Day on Wednesday.

“International Overdose Awareness Day brings home the human cost of these figures, that there are real people and families,” he said.

“Although we are pleased that there is a modest reduction, the rate of overdose is far too high.

“It is hard to know what impact the pandemic may have had; there have been evolving drug use trends throughout the pandemic, with an increase in varying patterns between different regions.

“International drug markets were impacted but equally the local market adapted in unpredictable and harmful ways.

“Daily waitlists for alcohol and other drug treatment increased by 71 per cent over the pandemic. VAADA is concerned that people are dying on waitlists.”

Foundation 61 founder and director Rob Lytzki said he was not surprised to hear Geelong’s devastating statistics.

“I can remember a couple fentanyl overdoses thought to be heroin back as far as 10 years ago,” he said.

“Fentanyl has always been a problem, it is often sold instead of heroin or as a blend and it is far more likely to kill you.

“It is very sad. I would like to see Geelong stand up and do more in reaching out and supporting the people with addiction.”

A Victoria police spokesman said officers were intent on disrupting the cultivation and manufacturing of illicit drugs in Geelong.

“As part of drug investigations, police are not only focused on arresting those peddling drugs within our community and seizing illicit substances, but also financially targeting anyone involved in drug trafficking, by seizing every single dollar and asset they have illegally gained,” he said.

“Victoria Police remains unwavering in our commitment to minimising the devastating impact of drugs in the community and improving health and community safety outcomes for all Victorians.”

Originally published as Fatal heroin, ice oversdoses rising across Geelong as Barwon Health warns over fake “benzos”