Alcohol and Drug Foundation

Our new report spotlights increasing alcohol and other drug harms in older Australians. The serious and increasing levels of harm older Australians face from alcohol and other drugs can no longer be ignored, our new report shows. The report analyses trends around alcohol and other drug harms in older Australians (aged 50 yrs and above), highlighting particularly high levels of harm from alcohol and prescribed medications, with the use of multiple substances identified as one risk factor.  ADF CEO, Erin Lalor AM, said older people were dying from alcohol and other drug related causes at a rate almost two times higher than other ages, proving urgent action was needed.  “We know that older people are often overlooked in alcohol and other drug harm reduction efforts, and this cannot continue. Older people drink more regularly than any other age group, and around one third are drinking at risky levels – we know that for many, these have been lifelong habits. This research demonstrates the long-term impacts these habits can have, as we witness spikes in hospitalisations and treatment episodes among older people for harmful alcohol use.” We commissioned the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), UNSW to develop the analysis report behind today’s recommendations. NDARC Deputy Director and Drug Trends Program Lead, Dr Rachel Sutherland said the report increases understanding of older adults who experience the greatest harm from alcohol and other drug (AOD) consumption and identifies high risk groups and risk factors.    “In addition to men and those aged 50 to 59, older adults who use alcohol, opioids and/or benzodiazepines, amphetamine-type stimulants and cannabis may benefit most from interventions to reduce harms,” Dr Sutherland said. Read more here https://lnkd.in/gGu9QTUh

New research on the benefits of LSD show it can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and can potentially help people trying to overcome a drug dependence. The renewed interest in LSD builds on studies from 40 years ago that looked at treating: - depression - post-traumatic stress disorder - drug dependence - reducing anxiety in patients with a life-threatening disease Research on how LSD can treat mental health conditions is ongoing, but early results have been promising.

People’s use of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) can be influenced by many factors. And while each person’s experience is different, we’re starting to learn more about the relationship between AOD and Autism. Here we explore AOD use and its impact on people with autism. 👇 https://lnkd.in/gY4Rk-pb

Recently, there has been an increase in the support among Australians for the implementation of pill testing, particularly as a few states begin to adopt this important harm reduction strategy. Pill testing serves a vital purpose by enabling individuals to check the specific contents of the drugs they intend to consume, which helps reduce the associated risks, especially during events such as music festivals and parties. This proactive approach to drug safety is increasingly recognised as a means of preventing overdoses and other drug-related harms, allowing for early warnings that can save lives.

This week, our CEO, Erin Lalor AM, & Advocacy Manager, Robert Taylor presented at the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs (APSAD) Conference in Canberra. It's been very insightful to hear all the industry learnings on alcohol, tobacco and other drug issues, including lived and/or living experience of alcohol and other drugs. Erin presented on supporting parents to discuss alcohol use with their teenagers, through our "Keep Their Future Bright" campaign. She also presented on strategies to reduce AOD-related harms among older adults. And Rob presented on Substance use and related harms among Australians aged 50 years and older (2001-2021). He also presented on Cannabis regulation outcomes today. We look forward to applying some of our takeouts and learnings from this event into our work. #ADFLife #APSAD24

On Monday in Melbourne, a few of our team, Erin Lalor AM - CEO, Robert Taylor – Manager Policy & Engagement, and Chloe Bernard – Senior Policy Officer gave evidence on behalf of the ADF at the opening hearing of the "Federal Inquiry into the health impacts of alcohol and other drugs in Australia." Our key points were: 📍A systemic problem requires systemic and coordinated responses across all levels of government. 📍 Prevention work is important: we have the opportunity to build the fence at the top of the cliff, rather than park the ambulance at the bottom. 📍 We need evidence-based responses to prevent and reduce harm, which means addressing stigma. 📍 Health policy needs to be protected from the influence of commercial interests. Read our whole submission to the inquiry here: https://brnw.ch/21wObmW #ADFLife

In South Australia, more than 300,000 people are affected by gambling harm in many different ways. This Gambling Harm Action Week, we’re focusing on changing the language around gambling harm to reduce stigma and shame and encourage more people to seek the support they need. To support this, we're also working with Gambling Harm Support SA on the Here for the Game Community program. It provides free awareness and education for local sports clubs to tackle the growing presence of sports betting and its harms. To learn more about how you can change the conversation around gambling, visit: https://brnw.ch/21wObh9

We, together with Queensland Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies (QNADA), Australian Medical Association (QLD), and QuIVAA are calling on the Queensland Opposition to keep drug laws in place that reduce serious harms in the community if the party wins government on Saturday. Our CEO, Erin Lalor AM added, “We’re deeply concerned that Queensland’s Drug Diversion Program is at risk of being revoked before proper evaluation – this would be a huge backwards step in preventing drug harm in the community." Read our full response in our media release here 👉 https://brnw.ch/21wO59c

Next week, our CEO, Erin Lalor AM and our Policy & Engagement Manager, Robert Taylor, will be presenting at the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs (APSAD) conference in Canberra at the National Convention Centre Canberra (NCCC). The alcohol, tobacco and other drug conference is a great opportunity for us to listen and participate in meaningful conversations, with leading experts in the sector. The theme for 2024 is "Inclusion... Innovation... Progress" Erin will be presenting on: 📍 "Supporting parents to discuss alcohol use with their teenagers: an evaluation of the Keep Their Future Bright campaign" 📍 "Strategies to reduce AOD-related harms among older adults" Rob will be presenting on: 📍 "Substance Use and Related Harms Among Australians Aged 50 years and Older 2001-2021" 📍 "Cannabis regulation outcomes – A rapid review". Come say hello, if you see us! 👋 https://lnkd.in/d4TyiHQK

People’s use of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) can be influenced by many factors, such as their environment, genetics, and overall wellbeing. And while each person’s experience is different, we’re starting to learn more about the relationship between AOD and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Here we explore the link between ADHD and AOD use and some considerations for treatment. Read more here https://lnkd.in/gfbENY76