Why we should care about substance use amid a pandemic Dr Shani Macaulay reflects on how the ongoing coronavirus outbreak may affect people who experience issues with alcohol and other drugs.
Victoria first state to adopt mandatory prescription monitoring From 1 April, all prescribers in the state will be required to view patients’ prescription histories.
Take-home naloxone ‘saves lives’ Currently in a pilot phase across three states, naloxone would be more effective if further patient education was provided, one expert says.
Australians spend estimated $11.3 billion a year on drugs: Report The National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program found alcohol and nicotine are the most consumed drugs, with methylamphetamine the top illicit drug.
NSW rejects five key drug recommendations The independent ice inquiry has prompted further focus on drug use as a health issue rather than a legal one.
‘It’s just too easy’: Underage people able to buy alcohol online Online retailers have made it much easier to access alcohol – and researchers warn there are real dangers.
Listen, assess, encourage, support: Requests for drugs of dependence The RACGP has released a new guide designed to help GPs identify and respond to requests that might be inappropriate.
My patient’s drinking masked a new form of grief after the bushfires What was dragging this patient down? The state of the world, Dr Hester Wilson writes.
Self-reporting and close monitoring of alcohol use for older patients Older people may be unaware of the potential risks when combining alcohol and commonly prescribed medications, according to new study findings.
Alcohol use stable, decline in smoking rates: AIHW A new report shows alcohol and cannabis use is steady, while smoking rates are falling.