Drug overdose deaths have almost doubled in less than a decade and at the same time, the number of people accessing specialist help is trending downward.  

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission found 188 people died from an overdose in 2023. 

That's more than half the road toll, and more than twice the number of drowning deaths. 

Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm told Ryan Bridge we lose three New Zealanders every week to accidental and preventable drug overdose.  

She says at the same time there's been a decline in access to addiction services. 

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