International Overdose Awareness Day: Cork Urged to Unite Against Rising Drug Deaths

The annual observance, held every 31 August since 2001, takes on particular urgency this year as Cork faces the same synthetic opioid crisis gripping Dublin. Taoiseach Simon Harris has specifically highlighted cases of nitazene overdoses reported in Cork, part of a national emergency that saw 57 overdoses in Dublin alone last year.

The latest figures from the Health Research Board paint a sobering picture of Ireland's overdose crisis. In 2021, the Republic recorded 354 drug poisoning deaths, with opioids involved in 69% of cases and benzodiazepines in 53%. Most troublingly, 80% of deaths involved multiple substances, with alcohol present in one third of cases.

The emergence of nitazenes, synthetic opioids up to 40 times stronger than fentanyl, has created a new level of danger on Cork streets. These substances have been mis-sold as heroin or benzodiazepines, leading to clusters of overdoses across Ireland during 2023 and 2024.

Taoiseach Simon Harris has raised alarm about the normalisation of drug use, highlighting the 57 nitazene-related overdoses in Dublin last year, plus additional cases reported in Cork. He is calling for increased community engagement and law enforcement involvement to address the crisis.

Pregabalin, known locally as "coffin tablets", presents another growing threat. The drug now appears in approximately one in every 16 post-mortem toxicology tests in Ireland, prompting the Coroners Society to call for its reclassification as a controlled substance.

The Penington Institute, which coordinates the global campaign, emphasises that overdose is preventable through compassionate, evidence-based approaches rather than punitive measures. Their campaign materials, including educational posters and advocacy resources, are freely available for Cork organisations seeking to raise awareness.

From 2017 to 2020, Ireland saw poisoning deaths rise from 258 to 322, with cocaine-related deaths increasing dramatically from 26 in 2012 to 130 in 2020. These statistics underscore the evolving nature of the crisis, which now extends well beyond traditional opioid use.

Cork residents can access support through HSE addiction services, while naloxone kits, which can reverse opioid overdoses, are available through participating pharmacies and harm reduction services. The HSE Drug and Alcohol Helpline operates at 1800 459 459, providing confidential support and information.

Today's observance reminds us that behind every statistic is a family, a friend, a member of our Cork community. The theme "One big family, driven by hope" challenges us to look beyond stigma and embrace those struggling with addiction as part of our extended community family.

Local organisations are encouraged to download free campaign materials from the International Overdose Awareness Day website to help spread awareness and reduce the stigma that often prevents people from seeking help.

As Cork marks this important day, the message is clear: overdose deaths are preventable, but only through community-wide efforts that prioritise compassion over judgement and evidence over ideology.