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TAG CLOUD
June 29, 2012
MEASURING DRUG USE THROUGH WASTEWATER
The Australian Institute of Criminology have published a report titled "Measuring drug use patterns in Queensland through wastewater analysis". This paper provides an analysis of drugs and their metabolites in sewerage, in order to estimate population prevalence of drug use. In this report, a regional Queensland town with a population of 150 000 people is examined. This research is in its early days and there remains some problems with the estimates (especially where assumptions are made regarding standard doses of illicit drugs). Still, this remains an interesting and potentially useful way of measuring rates of drug use in a population.
"Measuring drug use patterns in Queensland through wastewater analysis" (730KB PDF)
Posted in: Research
June 15, 2012
THE IMPACT OF CANNABIS ON LUNGS
The British Lung Foundation has just published an updated report titled "The Impact of Cannabis on Your Lungs" which collates recent research on cannabis use and lung function and digests this into an easy to read format. The report finds that recently published research indicates stronger evidence than ever before that cannabis is linked to lung cancer. It also indicates a clear link between cannabis and respiratory problems like chronic coughing, sputum production and wheezing, as well as a link between cannabis use and infective lung conditions like tuberculosis and legionnaires disease. They found that there was a lack of evidence on how cannabis smoking affects lung function and the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Download the "Impact of Cannabis on Lungs" from the British Lung Foundation website.
Posted in: Research
July 27, 2011
2010 NATIONAL DRUG STRATEGY HOUSEHOLD SURVEY REPORT
The 2010 National Drug Strategy Household Survey was conducted between late-April and early-September 2010. This was the 10th survey in a series which began in 1985, and was the fifth to be managed by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). More than 26,000 people aged 12 years or older participated in the survey, in which they were asked about their knowledge of and attitudes towards drugs, their drug consumption histories, and related behaviours.
The Survey report shows positive and significant reductions since 2007 in daily tobacco smoking; mixed findings on alcohol consumption and risk; and a small overall rise in illicit drug use. In terms of attitudes to drugs, excessive alcohol use and tobacco smoking were nominated as the two most serious concerns to the community - and there were higher levels of support than previously for tobacco and alcohol harm reduction policies.
For more information or to review the report, visit the AIHW website here: AIHW National Drug Stategy Household Survey 2010 Report
Posted in: Research
