Drugs
Updated
Tragedy
Synthetic opioid detected in four found dead in Broadmeadows
The director of drug harm reduction charity warned the deaths were “a major wake-up call” as medical professionals fear an opioid crisis could engulf Australia like it has overseas.
- by Lachlan Abbott
Latest
Cocaine sold in Melbourne contains opioid 100 times more potent than heroin
Victoria’s Health Department has warned that a white powder sold as cocaine contains a potentially lethal opioid that has caused “recent serious harms in Melbourne”.
- by Lachlan Abbott
Opinion
Political leadership
I know what it’s like to be the politician’s son who makes mistakes. I wouldn’t wish it on Tom Dutton
When a photo of the opposition leader’s 18-year-old son made headlines last week, I immediately felt so sorry for him. Unfortunately, I know exactly what it’s like to go through that.
- by Nick Bracks
The hidden costs that are killing live music festivals
Pill testing could make attendance at music festivals and events much safer – but it could dramatically increase the financial risk borne by festivals.
- by Karl Quinn
The inside story of Labor’s sudden change of heart on pill testing
Under Daniel Andrews, pill testing was a non-starter. Jacinta Allan made it permanent within months. Summer overdoses were a big reason why.
- by Rachel Eddie
Australia’s cocaine use is soaring. Why?
Australia, it seems, is awash with cocaine, despite its high price and record police hauls – not to mention hospitalisations and deaths.
- by Tim Elliott
Magazine
Good Weekend
The June 29 Edition
Cocaine country: Australia’s costly habit | Love match: Alex de Minaur & Katie Boulter | Costa Georgiadis: how old is that beard?
Donna Nelson’s young granddaughter allowed Japanese prison visit
The child had to be chaperoned by lawyers after her parents, Nelson’s daughter and son in law, were denied visitation rights.
- by Michael Genovese
‘Meth’ was just salt but Brisbane pill-testing site finds far riskier drugs
The surprising results of the first month of Brisbane’s new pill testing service can be revealed.
- by Felicity Caldwell
Pill testing to become permanent in Victoria
A mobile site will be launched from December and visit up to 10 festivals across two summers, and a fixed site in a club district in Melbourne will open in the middle of next year.
- by Rachel Eddie
Exclusive
AFL 2024
Out of harm’s way: AFL’s mental health boss on drugs policy, weight ban
Dr Kate Hall, who treated AFL players with drug and mental health issues in her previous life as a clinical psychologist, says the league is focused on “harm minimisation”.
- by Jake Niall
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/topic/drugs-5wj