Introduction

The Australian Drug Trends in Ecstasy and Related Drug Markets 2012 report presents the findings from the tenth year in which data have been collected in all states and territories in Australia on the markets for ecstasy and related drugs (ERD). The Ecstasy and Related Drugs Reporting System (EDRS; formerly the Party Drugs Initiative, or PDI) is the most comprehensive and detailed study of ERD markets in Australia.

Using a similar methodology to the Illicit Drug Reporting System (IDRS), the EDRS monitors the price, purity and availability of "ecstasy‟ (3,4-methylendioxymethamphetamine; MDMA) and other drugs such as methamphetamine, cocaine, gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), d-lysergic acid (LSD), 3,4-methylendioxyamphetamine (MDA) and ketamine. It also examines trends in the use and harms of these drugs. It utilises data from three sources: (a) surveys with regular ecstasy users (REU) and regular psychostimulant users (RPU); (b) surveys with key experts (KE) who have contact with REU through the nature of their work; and (c) the analysis of existing data sources that contain information on ERD. The EDRS is designed to be sensitive to emerging trends, providing data in a timely manner, rather than describing issues in extensive detail.

It is important to note that the results from the REU surveys are not representative of ecstasy users and their other drug use in the general population, but this is not the aim of these data. These data are intended to provide evidence that is indicative of emerging issues that warrant further monitoring. REU are a sentinel group that provides information on patterns of drug use and market trends.

The findings from each year not only provide a snapshot of the ERD market in Australia, but in total they help to provide an evidence base for policy decisions; help to inform harm reduction messages; and to provide directions for further investigation when issues of concern are detected. Continued monitoring of the ERD markets in Australia will help add to our understanding of the use of these drugs; the price, purity and availability of these drugs; and how these may impact on each other; and the associated harms which may stem from the use of these drugs.

Drug trends in this publication are cited by jurisdiction, although they primarily represent trends in the capital city of each jurisdiction, where new drug trends are likely to emerge. Patterns of drug use may vary among other groups of REU in the capital cities and in regional areas.