HEROIN DEATHS DECLINE

A recent drop-off in heroin overdose deaths could signal the end of the
epidemic but drug experts today warned against complacency.

Overdose deaths have been on the decline for two years with marked falls on
the east coast this year.

In Victoria, overdose deaths dropped to 22 this year from 148 the same time
last year. In New South Wales fatal overdoses have fallen from a peak of
491 in 1998/99 to 296 in 1999/2000.

A joint report by the Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD), the
National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre and Australian Intravenous
League, of intravenous drug users found there were about 15,000 fatal and
non-fatal overdoses each year.

"I hope that we are seeing the end of, or certainly a downturn in this
epidemic and certainly the indications are that the deaths are dropping
quite encouragingly," said ANCD chairman, Major Brian Watters of the
Salvation Army.

Victims of overdoses were mostly single, unemployed men in their late 20s
and early 30s.

The report also offered policy makers advice on targeting heroin overdoses,
particularly through the greater availability of the antidote Narcan.

Major Watters said the treatment, which may prevent death from overdose,
should be available to pharmacists, doctors, paramedics and families and
friends of heroin users.

"We believe that there is good reason to have a trial at least," he said.

More education and treatment services were also essential because evidence
showed participation in a treatment program reduced the chances of overdose.

"Our research has shown it is comparatively rare for people who are
receiving treatment to overdose," Major Watters said.

The groups called for more funding to fight drugs and Major Watters said
the spending was worthwhile.

"Every dollar spent on treatment yields at least $7 in savings to the
health system," he said.