Three New Zealanders die every week thanks to accidental and preventable drug overdose

New research from the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission finds overdose deaths have almost doubled in under a decade, with fewer people seeking specialist help.

One hundred and 88 people died from overdose in 2023, which is more than twice the number of drowning deaths

Drug Foundation Executive Director, Sarah Helm says what's concerning is that legal drugs are the culprits.

She says medicine is involved in two-thirds of cases.