Drug Trends

There are currently three projects conducted at NDARC which monitor emerging drug trends or drug-related harm in Australia.

The Illicit Drug Reporting System (IDRS) and the Ecstasy and Related Drugs Reporting System (EDRS, formerly known as the PDI) monitor the price, purity and availability and patterns of use of illicit drugs as well as acting as a timely warning system for emerging markets.

The National Illicit Drug Indicators Project (NIDIP) systematically tracks changes in heroin and psychostimulant use and related harms using comprehensive, timely and reliable information.

What's new

• 2009 Drug Trends Conference: Preliminary findings of the 2009 IDRS and EDRS

• Presentations from 2009 Drug Trends Conference:
  
  Preliminary findings from the Illicit Drug Reporting System (IDRS): Dr. Lucy Burns
  
  The Australian Ecstasy and Related Drugs Market 2009: Natasha Sindicich
  
  Risk Taking and Health Issues amongst People Who Inject Drugs Nationally in 2009: Joanne Cassar
  
  Alcohol, Aggression and Gambling among Regular Ecstasy Users in Australia: Laura Scott
  
  Swimming with Crocodiles: The role and risks for researchers advocating for policy: Prof Steve Allsop (NDRI)
  
  Drug Analysis: Current Issues for the Drug Market: Cate Quinn (Victoria Police, Forensic Services Dept)
  
  Feeling Festive: The Medical Implications of Major Dance Events: Buck Reed (UniMed First Aid)