New data from AODstats shows GHB remains an issue across Victoria
The latest data on family violence, assaults and drug and alcohol harms in Victoria are now available to guide targeted, effective alcohol and other drug responses, with GHB identified as an ongoing concern.
For over a decade, the illicit drug GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) has been a focus for Turning Point researchers. While its use has historically been lower than that of substances such as amphetamines and heroin, rising numbers of GHB-related ambulance attendances and calls for counselling advice have made it an area of concern.
As highlighted in Bulletin 12, the latest data now available on the AODstats website on ambulance attendances and calls to the DirectLine alcohol and drug-related telephone counselling and referral service have shown that GHB-related harms continue to rise.
The illicit drug produces feelings of euphoria, confidence, relaxation and sociability by suppressing the nervous system. It also has a narrow window between creating a desired effect and a dangerous or potentially fatal outcome, limiting treatment opportunities and increasing the risk.
Across the 2022–23 and 2023–24 financial years, the local government areas (LGAs) of Melbourne, Geelong and Casey recorded the highest number of ambulance attendances related to GHB in Victoria.
In 2022–23, these highest-ranked LGAs were followed by Frankston and then Port Philip, while in 2023–24, the highest-ranked LGAs were followed by Port Philip and then Frankston.
Port Philip also featured prominently in the number of DirectLine telephone sessions related to GHB, recording the highest number in Victoria in both the 2023 and 2024 calendar years.
New data on assaults and family violence available
Other data sets analysed by coders in the National Addiction and Mental Health Surveillance Unit have also been released on the AODstats website.
These include new data sets on:
- assaults during high, medium and low alcohol hours
- incidents of family violence in Victoria attributed to alcohol consumption, and
- alcohol and drug-related online treatment sessions in Victoria on the Counselling Online website.
With access to this valuable information on the AODstats website, health professionals, policy planners and service providers now have an opportunity to identify the locations, circumstances and groups of people who are experiencing harm from alcohol and other drugs to inform more targeted and effective responses.
If this story has raised issues about your own or others’ drug or alcohol use, contact Counselling Online for free and confidential counselling or call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
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