fbpx Ecstasy and Related Drugs Reporting System (EDRS) National Report 2016 | NDARC - National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre

Ecstasy and Related Drugs Reporting System (EDRS) National Report 2016

image - EDRS Logo 280 68 0
Author: Jennifer Stafford, Courtney Breen

Resource Type: Drug Trends National Reports

The Australian Drug Trends in Ecstasy and Related Drug Markets 2016 report presents the findings from the fourteenth 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) is the most comprehensive and detailed study of Ecstasy and related drugs (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 psychostimulant users (RPU); (b) surveys with key experts (KE) who have contact with RPU 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 EDRS surveys are not representative of ERD users and 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. Regular Ecstasy User (REU)/Regular Psychostimulant User (RPU) 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 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 adds 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/RPU in the capital cities and in regional areas.