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Toward A Comprehensive Picture Of The Epidemiology Of Alcohol And Illicit Drug Use Disorders: Novel Analyses Of The World Health Organization's World Mental Health Surveys
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$734,155.00
Summary
Alcohol and illicit drug use are among the biggest risk factors for disease burden, but there is much that is not known about the natural history of substance use. This study involves analysis of data from the WHO World Mental Health Survey (WMHS) initiative, which contains data on >160,000 participants from more than 31 countries. This study will examine the patterns and predictors of substance use problems, using novel statistical techniques predict who is at greatest risk.
Quantifying And Reducing The Burden Of New And Emerging Psychoactive Substances In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$645,205.00
Summary
The public health threat posed by emerging drugs of concern (e.g., new psychoactive substances (NPS) and crystalline methamphetamine) requires timely and effective public health interventions. This research program will strengthen estimates of the global NPS health burden, enhance the surveillance of unwitting drug consumption, and develop and evaluate novel harm reduction responses. Findings will inform policy and health service delivery, both globally and within Australia.
Public Health Challenges And Opportunities Of Internet Technologies For The Study Of New And Emerging Psychoactive Substance Use And Related Health Harms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$317,929.00
Summary
New psychoactive drugs that mimic the effects of prohibited drugs are increasingly available in Australia, and there is mounting evidence of their harmful health effects. This research examines the challenges and opportunities of internet technologies for understanding trends in new and emerging drug use and harms. Findings will inform the development of more effective public health responses to reduce morbidity and mortality from new psychoactive drugs and other illicit drug use.
Biological And Psychological Health Indices Of Ecstasy/polydrug Users: Testing The Bioenergetic Stress Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$344,015.00
Summary
Use of Ecstasy is increasing in both Australia and the United Kingdom, and is related to poorer psychological and mental functioning in the long-term, suggesting Ecstasy use negatively impacts human physiology producing deficits in aspects of mental functioning. This project aims to assess the effect of weekend use and lifetime use of ecstasy upon measures of physiology and psychology. Findings from these studies may contribute to strategies to reduce the harm associated with Ecstasy use.
Emerging Drugs Network Of Australia: A Coordinated Toxicosurveillance System Of Illicit Drug Use In Australia To Enable Rapid Detection And Harm Reduction Responses Via An Early Warning System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,722,731.00
Summary
The Emerging Drugs Network of Australia brings together emergency physicians, toxicologists and forensic laboratories across the country to build a national surveillance and early warning system of illicit and emerging drugs. Our innovative approach will use laboratory confirmed data to identify the specific drugs resulting in emergency department presentations, and use this information to inform rapid, evidence-based public health responses to reduce further drug-related harm in the community.
The Relationship Between Accident Culpability And Drug Presence In Blood Samples Taken From Persons Injured In Motor Vehicle Collisions.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$200,721.00
Summary
This project aims to determine the incidence of drugs in blood samples taken under the Victorian Road Safety Act 1986 from drivers involved in non-fatal collisions, the relative importance of illicit drugs, legal drugs used as prescribed, and legal drugs misused by drivers in non-fatal collisions by examining driver culpability in these accidents.
Characterising The Effect Of Methamphetamine And Alcohol On Driving Behaviour And Performance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Methamphetamine and alcohol are commonly detected among drivers involved in road trauma, but it is currently unclear how these substances contribute to an increased crash risk. This series of studies will (1) look at associations between drug use and attitudes and behaviours towards dangerous driving in people who use these drugs. It will also test the effect of combined alcohol and methamphetamine on (2) more complex thinking patterns and behaviours, and (3) objective driving performance.
Drugs On The Darknet: Assessing The Global Health Risks Of A Rapidly Expanding Market
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$399,692.00
Summary
Cryptomarkets facilitate the trade of illicit drugs in online environments using anonymising networks and virtual currencies. This project will identify and characterise the net health outcomes of drug cryptomarkets, using anonymous self-report data, archival monitoring and forensic profiling. Without this kind of research, health services and policy makers will be ill-equipped to respond effectively to the expansion of drug cryptomarkets.
Novel Interventions To Address Methamphetamines In Aboriginal Communities, Including A Randomised Trial Of A Web Based Therapeutic Tool Used To Treat Dependence In Clinical Settings.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,177,908.00
Summary
Methamphetamine use in Aboriginal communities has gained much media attention, despite limited research studies to ascertain the full extent of its use and its impact. We propose a randomised trial of a web based therapeutic tool for use in Aboriginal Medical Services to treat clients using methamphetamines. In addition we will characterise the health and well-being of Aboriginal people who use methamphetamines and trial unique Aboriginal community led interventions to address methamphetamines.
Recidivism, Health And Social Functioning Following Release To The Community Of NSW Prisoners With Problematic Drug Use, An Evaluation Of The Connections Program
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$536,966.00
Summary
High rates of return to custody and poor health are experienced by ex-inmates with problematic drug use. This project will evaluate the Connections program, an innovative, statewide program in NSW Adult Correctional Centres providing pre-release assessment and post-release support for patients with problematic drug use. It will determine if patients on the Connections program have lower rates of recidivism and better health outcomes; and if outcomes are different for Aboriginal patients.