Opiate overdose and health treatment options for opiate users in New South Wales, 1999-2002.

BACKGROUND The harm arising from illicit drug use, particularly the use of opiates such as heroin, is of considerable concern in Australia. In 1997–1998, it was estimated that there were approximately 74,000 heroin-dependent people in Australia, with about 35,400 (48 per cent) of these residing in NSW. Between 1989 and 1999, the annual number of deaths attributable to heroin and other opiates among those aged 15–44 years in NSW increased from 154 to 401.