The aim of this paper is to analyse changes in alcohol consumption since the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

We show that the frequency of alcohol consumption during COVID-19 is slightly higher for males than it was 2-3 years previously, and substantially higher for females.

While Australians are more likely to say that their alcohol consumption has decreased than say that it has increased since the spread of COVID-19, self-reported increases in alcohol consumption were larger than in surveys prior to COVID-19.

There was a larger self-reported increase in alcohol consumption for...

The reporting on this social justice and welfare impacting catastrophe remains not only sporadic but, it is incomplete in scope and context particularly around alcohol and other drug (AOD) issues. Just one report stated that; Nearly three in 10 young people felt that alcohol and drugs was a problem for their family and peers. Heavy drinking and drug use has placed thousands of high school students at a disadvantage in life, but they’re not the ones with the problem.  

Previous reports clearly show substance use contributes to not only neglect but direct harms to children, but over recent...

This webinar focuses on the issue of self-care for addiction professionals and was delivered by ICUDDR Deputy Director Cary Hopkins Eyles.

Many of us are drawn to work in the field of substance use disorders due to our history, family, and personal traits, such as compassion and empathy. While these can be great assets, they can also be detrimental to us personally.

In this webinar, Cary explains how to identify healthy and unhealthy traits, how we can care for ourselves, and what authentic self-care looks like.

Cary has worked in the field of substance use disorders for 18 years. She...

Taking drugs influences your ability to drive safely putting yourself and those around you at risk.

In a bid to prevent harm caused by drug driving, the New Zealand Government have introduced police random roadside drug testing.

Drivers who are tested positive for drugs will be fined and suspended from driving.

Ross Bell, NZ Drug Foundation Executive Director says: 

“The Government’s announcement sends a clear message to New Zealanders that drug driving is illegal and that the Government is committed to investing and providing the tools and resources needed to police to ensure that...

The Illicit Drug Reporting System (IDRS) is an ongoing illicit drug monitoring system which has been conducted in all states and territories of Australia since 2000 and forms part of Drug Trends.

This year, we have provided a suite of products with the most up-to-date findings from interviews conducted annually from 2000-2019 with a cross-sectional sentinel group of people who regularly inject drugs.

This includes:

1. A report overviewing the key findings in 2019
2. An infographic summarising key findings in 2019
3. A PowerPoint slide deck comprising key figures that display trends of...

Research suggests methamphetamine use is higher amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders compared to non-Indigenous Australians.

The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the key information on the use of methamphetamines among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia.

The review provides general information on the context of methamphetamine use by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people including the historical, social and cultural contexts.

The publication covers:

• Key Facts
• Factors contributing to methamphetamine use in Australia
• The...

Applications are now open for the 2019 round of UNSW Medicine Neuroscience, Mental Health and Addiction Theme and SPHERE Clinical Academic Group (CAG) Collaborative Research Seed Funding.

The UNSW Medicine Neuroscience, Mental Health and Addiction Theme and SPHERE CAG aims to address the burdens imposed by neurological, mental health, and drug and alcohol disorders. It constitutes a network of internationally recognised researchers and clinicians leading in the understanding and treatment of complex clinical conditions with physical, behavioural, mental and social dimensions across the...