Walking Overdoses: A Re-Appraisal of Non-Fatal Illicit Drug Overdose

Abstract

The increase in the number of non-fatal opioid overdoses in Melbourne, Australia has occurred concomitantly with the emergence of street heroin dealing / using areas across different parts of Melbourne. The aim of this study was to examine the social and environmental factors that contribute to the risk of illicit drug overdose in a street heroin dealing / using setting. A detailed examination of overdose experiences, and consultations with drug users, police and shop traders, suggests that the harm related to drug overdose and the factors which contribute to the risk of overdose in a street-using / dealing environment may be significantly underestimated. The clinical definition of drug overdose may underestimate the harm associated with illicit drug use. Through not fully understanding drug user's experiences of drug overdose, and thus incorrectly defining drug overdose, significant opportunities to intervene in what is a significant medical and social problem may be lost.

Key Words:

• overdose
• heroin
• injecting drug use
• police
• social context
• risk