The monitoring of drug trends in Australia

Fiona Shand*, Libby Topp, Shake Darke, Toni Makkai, Paul Griffiths

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

24 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Recently, there has been increased recognition of the importance of drug information systems (DIS), highlighting the need for an internationally coordinated approach to data collection and advocating the regular assessment of a range of areas. Accurate information provides policy makers with the evidence to evaluate current strategies and to plan future strategies. An effective drug information system (DIS) must collect comprehensive, detailed and in-depth data, while also being sensitive W emergent trends and placing these changes into the context of longer-term trends. An integrated and comprehensive system combines both sensitive (or lead) and slower but more reliable lag indicators. This article reviews conceptual frameworks for DIS and developments in international systems. It then considers the range of DIS in Australia and then describes two integrated monitoring systems with an early warning function: the Illicit Drug Reporting System (IDRS) and the Drug Use Monitoring Australia (DUMA) Programme. Both systems collate sensitive lead indicators, and provide timely information about emerging drug trends in Australia. Together, these two systems are best-placed to provide effective early warning of new trends in illicit drug markets, and constitute an important component of the overall approach to the monitoring of drug use and associated harms in Australia.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)61-72
Number of pages12
JournalDrug and Alcohol Review
Volume22
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2003
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The monitoring of drug trends in Australia'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this