Prevalence of opioids and related harms

The harms associated with opioids, including drug-related deaths, remain a persistent global issue and have increased in many countries in recent years. This session addresses opioid use, the associated socioeconomic costs, opioid-related deaths across various regions, as well as challenges in monitoring opioids. Topics include an economic model estimating the costs of problematic drug use in the UK, trends in opioid-related deaths in Australia, and the underestimation of opioid deaths in England and Wales due to ambiguous coronial reporting. Additionally, the session covers the ongoing public health emergency in Scotland, emphasising the prevalence of opioid dependence and the need for accurate data to support effective interventions and resource allocation.