Are drugs a health or legal problem?

Australia’s federal, state and territory governments see illicit drug addiction as a law enforcement, rather than a health issue, but targeting supply alone is not a winning strategy.

Arvanitakis on the war on drugs: why have we failed?

Australia has struggled to control the supply and consumption of cocaine, meth and other hard drugs, but without creative solutions the criminal gangs and terrorist organisations which traffic them will continue to thrive.

Australia’s five per day

There were more than five drug-induced deaths per day in Australia in 2019, with an increase in deaths involving amphetamines and cocaine, according to a new report.

Reconstructing pharmaceutical chains after COVID-19

India’s pharmaceutical industry is set to benefit as the world looks to diversify the global supply chain away from China.

Ice, ice baby

NSW’s Special Commission of Inquiry into methamphetamine treatment services, harm reduction and drug laws has missed an opportunity for reform.

High on rebellion

The Australian Capital Territory’s new cannabis laws are at odds with Australia’s federal laws, but should the federal government stay out of the argument?

Ice, ice, baby

Despite some high profile drug-busts, the quantity of methamphetamine (ice) that Australians consume continues to rise.

Evidence based policies can reduce drug harm

Australian experts are calling for evidence-based policies, which adapt faster, and respond more humanely and effectively, to new drugs and their changing availability and patterns of use.

Heartburn drugs can do more harm than good

A new UNSW study has found that national initiatives were unsuccessful in reducing prolonged use of anti-acid medicines for gastrointestinal acid-related disorders and more targeted interventions are needed.

The facts about meth addiction

Methamphetamine (“Ice”) is an extremely addictive stimulant that causes a multitude of severe health problems. It is perhaps the most damaging illegal drug used in Australia, but individual users can recover with the proper support over time.

It’s time to tackle our opioid problem

The abuse of opioids, both legal and illegal, has been a problem in Australia for decades, but the rise of drugs such as fentanyl means they must be tackled with renewed urgency.

How reliable are roadside drug tests?

Thousands of people are prosecuted every year in Australia for cannabis use while driving, however research at the University of Sydney suggests the test isn’t as accurate as thought.