The number of Victorians that died from illegal drug overdoses in 2024 was higher than any other year in the past decade.

The Coroners Court of Victoria released data on Tuesday showing that illegal drugs contributed to 65.6 percent of Victorian overdose deaths, compared to ten years ago where they contributed to just under half.

Several illegal drugs, including heroin, methamphetamine, MDMA, cocaine and GHB reached a 10-year high in the number of overdoses they contributed to.

The Victorian State Coroner, Judge John Cain, said it’s a reminder to keep improving harm reduction services.

“The concerning rise in overdose deaths and especially those involving illegal drugs is a stark reminder that we need to keep building on our harm reduction efforts,” he said.

In better news, pharmaceutical drug overdoses continued to decline. Pharmaceutical overdose deaths dropped from 78 percent in 2015 to 69.3 percent in 2024.

The report also found that 584 Victorians died from overdose in 2024, a rise from 547 in 2023, but the overdose death rate remained at around eight deaths per 100,000 people on average.

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Erin Lalor AM, said that while the Victorian government is improving initiatives, more still needs to be done.

“Our state is lacking a long-term alcohol and drug strategy. This strategy needs a strong focus on preventing harms from occurring in the first place, with a dedicated budget alongside it,” she said.

“The State Government consulted with the alcohol and other drug sector last year around a dedicated alcohol and drug strategy, but we are still waiting for its release. We look forward to working together with Government to help build healthier communities across our state.”

The coroner’s report also found that men are twice as likely to die from a drug overdose than women, as well as people aged between 35 and 54-years-old being most at risk to overdose.

Most Victorian overdose deaths were unintentional or accidental and included multiple drugs.

National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline: 1800 250 015

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