Bendigo drugs price rise sparks prescription medication and withdrawal warning from AOD team

Our Alcohol and Other Drugs team is warning the skyrocketing price of illicit drugs will see an increase in demand for prescription medications.

The price spike could put drugs out of reach of some people forcing them onto prescription medications such as Benzos and opioids which are dangerous if used incorrectly.

Rising drug prices and COVID-19 lockdown restrictions could also force some people into home withdrawal which could prove life-threatening without the support of a GP or health professional.

Our Drug Safety Worker Paul Morgan said AOD team members had been alerted to the rise in drug prices from concerned consumers and other support agencies.

"When illicit drugs become too expensive, or the quality drops, or access becomes an issue in times such as these COVID-19 lockdowns, we know people turn to prescription medications as the alternative," Paul said.

"It's important for people to remember that any opioid when used incorrectly is very dangerous and the threat of overdose remains very real. Prescription medications should only be used to treat the conditions they are prescribed for and following the directions very clearly at all times.

"Anyone using opioids - legal or illegal - should have access to Naloxone is an injection or nasal spray which temporarily reverses the effects of an overdose and gives you time to get emergency services involved. Our AOD team provides Naloxone prescriptions and basic training on its use. This should be considered essential if you use opioids or spend any time with someone who does."

Rising drug prices and the COVID-19 lockdown could also force people into withdrawal.

WARNING: To learn more about the dangers of withdrawal and what to look out for click here