TRENDS IN AUSTRALIAN DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE: Information and challenges The Illicit Drugs Reporting System (IDRS) and the Ecstasy and Related Drugs Reporting System
The Illicit Drugs Reporting System (IDRS) and the Ecstasy and Related Drugs Reporting System (EDRS) are currently the most comprehensive and detailed Australian monitoring system of the illicit drug markets. Both systems monitor the price, purity and availability of the major drug classes including: heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine and cannabis in respective samples of people who regularly inject drugs (PWID) and regular ecstasy users (REU). These sentinel sample groups have been chosen due to their knowledge and entrenchment in the drug market, they are seen as being most apt at reporting any changes that may be occurring in the drug market. The strategic nature of the systems also allows investigation into the use and harms associated with these drugs.
Due to the dynamic nature of the Australian market, users are often changing their preference to particular drugs being used, differing combinations as well as routes of administration. This poses a challenge for the differing service providers that deal with this group. This presentation will therefore aim to: inform treatment personnel of the changing patterns of drug use, report challenges that other stakeholders such as first aid officers, nightclub owners, clinicians have reported as well as discuss further anticipated challenges that may arise for example with the introduction of new emerging psychoactive substances known as Mephedrone.
Thursday 17th March 2011 …TIME: 1400 – 1600
VENUE: Education & Conference Centre Macquarie (Northern Sydney Education Centre)
PRESENTERS: Natasha Sindicich – B Psych (Hons) and Jenny Stafford – B Nursing, MPH
Bookings: June – 988 75597 or via [email protected]