Saving lives from opioids

Naloxone is a safe and effective medicine that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, so why has its uptake been so slow?

Down the plughole

Wastewater analysis shows that Australia’s consumption of a range of illicit drugs continues to climb, despite the best efforts of law enforcement and harm minimisation schemes.

A half empty pill box

Fewer than half of approved primary uses for new drugs in the US and Europe between 2011 and 2020 added substantial therapeutic value over existing treatments.

Tackling drugs in the Pacific

The production and trafficking of illicit drugs in Asia and the Pacific poses a significant threat to Australia as well as the nations involved.

The silent pandemic of over-prescribing

Canada is taking action against the over-prescribing of drugs of dubious medical benefit and Australia should follow suit.

Strange, new and deadly

While attitudes to some drugs, such as cannabis, are softening, an influx of new drug compounds to the streets and clubs are raising new concerns.

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?