National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC)

24/07/2025

ICYMI... In a comprehensive narrative review, NDARC researchers explain the socio-cultural, economic, and health dimensions of , and highlight both its embeddedness in Pacific Islander heritage and the debate surrounding its safety and utility.

Read more here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/dar.14080

22/07/2025

Mental health disorders are associated with poorer long-term retention in buprenorphine and methadone treatment among people with use disorder, according to an NDARC-led systematic review and meta-analysis.

The findings highlight the importance of considering comorbid mental health conditions in those commencing opioid agonist treatment.

Read more here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0376871625002212?via%3Dihub

21/07/2025

For our next webinar, join Clare Rushton to learn about how the experiences of people affected by a loved one's alcohol and other drugs use, and the effectiveness of specialised services.

🗓️ Thurs, 24 July
⏲️ 3pm AEST
📍 Zoom

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GPlO6kkQRlWU0E3RLXhAEw #/registration

18/07/2025

Last month, NDARC released the annual Overdose and Other Drug-Induced Deaths report, which showed the equivalent of 5 drug-induced deaths per day among Australians in 2023.

Dr Rachel Sutherland, an NDARC Deputy Director and Drug Trends Program Lead, provides an overview of the findings and what it means going forward.

Read more here: https://www.unsw.edu.au/research/ndarc/news-events/blogs/2025/07/understanding-overdose-and-other-drug-induced-deaths-in-australia 

16/07/2025

"It was good to see such a high quit rate in a group that really does need additional support."

A/Prof Ryan Courtney, Head of the To***co Research Group at NDARC, spoke to 6PR Perth about new research showing that vapes containing ni****ne are more effective quit-smoking aids than lozenges and gum in socially disadvantaged smokers, who typically have a harder time quitting than others.

Listen here: https://www.6pr.com.au/ni****ne-vapes-more-effective-than-traditional-aids-among-socially-disadvantaged-smokers/ **ng

According to a clinical trial, ni****ne vapes are more effective than traditional aids among socially disadvantaged smokers. Click PLAY to hear the full discussion: Among socially disadvantaged adults, ni****ne-containing vapes are more effective in helping people quit smoking than ni****ne gum or l...

14/07/2025

📢 New study 📢

Ni****ne vapes are more effective quit-smoking aids than gums and lozenges in socially disadvantaged adults, who typically have a harder time quitting than others, a major NDARC study shows.

Lead researcher A/Prof Ryan Courtney said "quit rates were superior" among trial participants in the va**ng group compared to those given ni****ne replacement therapy.

Read more here: https://www.unsw.edu.au/news/2025/07/va**ng-more-effective-than-nrt-for-socially-disadvantaged-smokers **ng

14/07/2025

For our next webinar, join Maud Groothuizen to learn about how people engage with agonist treatment (OAT) and the factors that shape their treatment journeys.

🗓️ Thursday, 17 July
⏲️ 3pm AEST
📍 Zoom webinar

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_j5PDNCK3SpG3dXccJRZCzQ #/registration

11/07/2025

ICYMI... NDARC-led researchers identified "key opportunities" to optimise -related services to Aboriginal people in rural NSW, including the expansion of programs that encourage standardised and culturally meaningful care, improved access to training, and better remuneration.

Read more here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/dar.14096

10/07/2025

The July 2025 edition of the NDARC newsletter is out now. Catch up on the latest news and events in the sector.

Read more here: https://us4.campaign-archive.com/?u=90d6d8183951588207fcd9d0b&id=3ca1b72e45

09/07/2025

In the latest Drug Trends bulletin, new data shows a fivefold increase in reported past-year ***ne use among Queenslanders who regularly use illicit drugs (from 2001 to 2022-23), with most respondents saying co***ne was "very easy" or "easy" to access.

Read more here: https://www.unsw.edu.au/research/ndarc/resources/trends-co***ne-use-brisbane-goldcoast-2003-2024

08/07/2025

The June 2025 edition of Connections (a joint publication of research centres) is out now. Highlights include:
- Conversation with NDRI's Steve Allsop
- NCETA 2025 Symposium wrap-up
- Launch of updated alcohol harm trends webtool
- Tina Trial reflections

Read more here:

Latest edition News June 2025 2025 NDARC Symposium - first keynote speaker revealed The Symposium will feature the latest insights and emerging trends in alcohol and other drugs research Conversation June 2025 Conversation with... Steve Allsop Retiring NDRI Professor (and continuing Adjunct Professo...

03/07/2025

In 2023, there was the equivalent of five drug-induced deaths per day among Australians, with the rate highest among those aged 45-54, NDARC research shows.

Read our latest Overdose and Other Drug-Induced Deaths report here: https://www.unsw.edu.au/research/ndarc/resources/trends-drug-induced-deaths-australia-2004-2023