Drug Overdose Deaths Highest Among Australians in Their Fifties

Data from the Penington Institute indicate that people aged 50-59 accounted for 25.5 per cent of unintentional drug-related deaths in the most recent reporting period, the highest proportion for any age group. Unintentional overdoses made up more than 80 per cent of all drug-related deaths, with an average of seven deaths recorded each day.

People aged 40-49 represented 25.4 per cent of unintentional deaths, placing them just behind the 50-59 group. Those in their fifties also recorded the second-highest rate of intentional drug-related deaths at 19.9 per cent. Illicit drug use remains more common among younger adults, but rates among people over 50 have increased while rates among younger people have stayed stable or declined slightly.

Prescription opioids were involved in nearly half of all unintentional overdose deaths. Benzodiazepines also contributed significantly, and more than 70 per cent of unintentional deaths involved two or more types of drugs. Age-related changes reduce liver and kidney efficiency in processing medications, increasing sensitivity to the same doses that were previously tolerated.

People who use illicit drugs are living longer due to improved treatments for hepatitis C and HIV as well as expanded access to naloxone and opioid agonist therapies.

Health professionals may overlook substance use in older patients due to lower screening rates and stigma. The data suggest prevention efforts should address safer prescribing, improved communication between doctors and patients, and reduced stigma around substance use at all ages.