Key findings

  • This bulletin considers recent changing trends in heroin and other opioid use across Australian jurisdictions.
  • It suggests that evidence from the IDRS is consistent with a possible cyclical shift from uppers (stimulants) to downers (depressants) may be reoccurring, although the pattern may be different in different Australian jurisdictions.
  • Western Australian IDRS findings are used as a case study to demonstrate recent shifts in heroin use amongst IDU.
  • The bulletin concludes by summarising the measures taken in Western Australia in response to recent trends in the event that heroin availability, use and harm increase further.

Resources

Date published
01 Apr 2010
Resource Type

IDRS Bulletins

Author(s)

Rainsford, C., Lenton, S. and Fetherston, J.