About this webinar:

The harms associated with novel benzodiazepines (NBZDs) in Australia, including overdoses and poisoning deaths, have increased markedly in recent years. This webinar will explore the factors driving their use, the associated risks, and implications for clinical practice and harm reduction. The session will include:

• An overview of the latest evidence and drug alerts on NBZDs
• Data from a recently published study on NBZD-related deaths
• Expert reflections on what these findings mean for policy, services, and frontline responses

About the speakers:

Dr Jack Freestone is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the National Centre for Clinical Research on Emerging Drugs (NCCRED) and the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), UNSW Sydney. His work focuses on detecting and responding to emerging drug related concerns, with a particular emphasis on early warning systems and rapid public health responses. He plays a key role in leading NCCRED’s Prompt Response Network, a nationwide network of early warning and drug-monitoring practitioners in Australia. Jack’s research spans drug monitoring systems, harm reduction, and clinical and community responses to novel substances, including new psychoactive drugs. He has published in this area and works closely with clinicians, policymakers, and peer-led organisations to strengthen Australia’s capacity to respond to emerging drugs.

Emeritus Professor Shane Darke is a leading world expert on the morbidity and mortality associated with substance use. He has published more than 330 articles and six books, and is listed in the top 0.1% of substance dependence researchers worldwide. Professor Darke the Australasian Regional Editor of Addiction, the leading international journal in the field, and worked at NDARC for over 30 years.