Uncovering the Rise of GHB-Related Incidents and Regional Hotspots in Australia

Recent research highlights a significant increase in ambulance attendances linked to Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) across Australia, with Victoria experiencing the largest surge and regional areas like Greater Geelong emerging as key hotspots. Utilizing data from the innovative National Ambulance Surveillance System (NASS), scientists from Monash University and Turning Point observed that GHB-related emergencies have risen markedly over recent years.

Victoria saw a 67% increase in GHB ambulance incidents from 2,211 in 2022 to 3,693 in 2023. Meanwhile, Tasmania reported an extraordinary 346% rise. The highest rate of approximately 65.8 attendances per 100,000 residents was recorded in Victoria, with young adults aged 25–34 most affected. A recent study published in the Drug and Alcohol Review identified Greater Geelong as a regional focal point, ranking as the 4th highest locality for GHB ambulance calls statewide between 2015 and 2024. Notably, Geelong accounted for nearly a third of such incidents outside Melbourne, surpassing urban areas known for nightlife scenes.

GHB incidents in the Geelong region have more than tripled over five years, escalating from fewer than 20 incidents in 2018 to 200 in 2023. Dr. Rowan Ogeil, senior author of the study, emphasized that limited access to specialized healthcare in regional communities makes ambulance services vital for urgent responses. The study also found regional ambulances cases tend to be more severe, with 31% higher likelihood of serious outcomes compared to metropolitan areas. The heightened risks are largely due to GHB's narrow margin between intoxication and overdose.

The surge in ambulance attendances reflects broader trends, with hospitalizations rising sharply from 569 in 2015-16 to 2,200 in 2022-23, nearly doubling. Seasonal trends reveal peaks during summer, aligning with festival seasons, pointing to windows where targeted harm reduction and health promotion efforts could be most effective.

Experts call for increased investment in harm reduction services and early intervention, especially in regional and underserved areas. They stress the importance of surveillance tools like NASS to identify emerging patterns of drug-related harm before they escalate into crises. The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive approaches combining education, testing, and accessible healthcare to prevent adverse outcomes related to GHB use.

Overall, this research underscores a troubling rise in GHB-related harms in Australia, highlighting the importance of regional focus, early intervention, and data-driven strategies to reduce risks and save lives.