Australia recorded its deadliest year on record for drug overdoses, according to a new analysis, with an average of seven deaths per day. In a preview of the Penington Institute's annual overdose report, there were nearly 2,600 overdose fatalities in 2024. Drug researchers say the deaths are preventable and governments must invest more in harm reduction and treatment services. One winter night, Marg Quon wondered why her son had not come looking for his bedtime hot chocolate.