ABC’s Background Briefing have recently looked critically at the rise in prescription of fentanyl and associated addiction, harm and fatal overdose.

A national emergency Pt. 1 (May 20th, 2018) reviews issues covered in Prescription killer: Australia’s imminent fentanyl epidemic (November 2017).

The programme summary from Pt. 1 of A national emergency follows;

Alarming numbers of Australians are dying from fentanyl overdoses at increasing rates and undercover recordings show just how easy it is to get it.

A NSW coronial inquest into the deaths of six people has just found double the amount of people die from prescription opioids than they do from heroin.

In the first of a two part investigation, reporter Hagar Cohen revisits a story first broadcast last year, she speaks to people whose lives have been torn apart by fentanyl abuse.

You can also listen to the programme below. (33.5 MB) © ABC Background Briefing;

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Or download the mp3 file here.

On May 27th, 2018 Background Briefing presented A national emergency Pt. 2. The programme summary follows (bold mine);

Paramedics across Australia are stealing lethal opioids to cope with workplace trauma.

Freedom of Information documents reveal nearly 100 investigations into the misappropriation of addictive drugs by ambulance workers since 2010.

In this co-production with the 730 program, reporter Hagar Cohen asks why paramedics have stolen fentanyl for personal use.

A warning, this episode deals extensively with suicide. It might not be suitable for everyone and if it brings up any issues at all for you please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

You can access the audio above or use the player below. (35.8 MB) © ABC Background Briefing;

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Or download the mp3 file here.

The opening summary from last year’s Prescription killer: Australia’s imminent fentanyl epidemic is as follows;

Fentanyl is the prescription opioid so deadly a dose the size of ten grains of sand can kill you.

In the US it’s fuelling a national emergency, making up a third of all drug overdoses there.

New exclusive figures show alarming numbers of Australians are dying from fentanyl overdoses at increasing rate.

Undercover recordings show just how easy it is to get. Hagar Cohen investigates. [November 26th, 2017]

You can access the audio above or use the player below. (34.6 MB) © ABC Background Briefing;

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Or download the mp3 file here.

NB: Transcripts are made available at ABC Background Briefing past programmes shortly after the programme airs.