Ice Epidemic ??????????

Subject: School of Population Health, University of Melbourne podcast - The Ice Epidemic

The Ice epidemic is of major concern to governments around Australia. This podcast episode analyses the so-called "Ice" methamphetamine epidemic. Through an analysis of the available survey health data we conclude that the recent hype around crystal methamphetamine is misplaced.

Methamphetamine use, while of concern, is not increasing. Indicators of drug use in Australian drug-using populations suggest that the use of methamphetamine has been stable since 2001. At a time when governments around Australia are preparing responses to the so-called epidemic this podcast reviews the evidence, the media coverage and some health promotion approaches to methamphetamine use. The podcast is an essential listen for drug and alcohol service providers, policy makers and news makers who are concerned about evidence-based approaches to social and drug policy. The pod cast may be accessed at:

http://www.nspresearch.unimelb.edu.au/dose.html

For further information please contact: Dr John Fitzgerald

Andrew Dare
Research Fellow Centre for Health Programs Policy and Evaluation School of Population Health
The University of Melbourne