Harm reduction
Harm reduction
Explore content on harm reduction initiatives related to alcohol and other drugs, including specific harm reduction measures and monitoring of illicit drug markets, law enforcement activities and wastewater.
Explore content on harm reduction initiatives related to alcohol and other drugs, including specific harm reduction measures and monitoring of illicit drug markets, law enforcement activities and wastewater.
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Rates of dispensing for opioids, benzodiazepines and gabapentinoids have been declining since around 2017–18
Source: AIHW analysis of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme data collection -
329,000 patients who were dispensed opioids in 2024–25 had also received benzodiazepines in the previous 30 days
Source: AIHW analysis of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme data collection -
64%
Almost 2 in 3 people in Australia supported allowing people to test their drugs at designated sites in 2022–2023
Source: National Drug Strategy Household Survey -
The price, purity and availability of drugs including cannabis and methamphetamine have remained relatively stable in recent years
Source: Ecstasy and Related Drugs Reporting System; Illicit Drug Reporting System -
67%
Over 2 in 3 illicit drug offences related to the possession or use of drugs in 2023–24
Source: Recorded Crime - Offenders -
Alcohol and nicotine continue to be the highest consumed drugs across Australia as measured in wastewater, followed by cannabis and methylamphetamine
Source: National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program