This bulletin reports on opioid, amphetamine, and cocaine-induced deaths in Australia up until 2016, as provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) using data from the National Coronial Information System (NCIS). Data for 2015 and 2016 are not final, as the ABS applies a revisions process to coroner certified deaths.

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.

Abstract Objective: To estimate the number of regular and dependent methamphetamine users in Australia.