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Page content: Research action plans | Understanding context of ecstasy and related drugs | Youth drug reporting system | DirectLine research

Research action plans

The development of a Drug Prevention Research Action Plan and an Indigenous Drug Prevention Research Action Plan will ensure that research undertaken by the PDPC is informed by a strategic framework, building on and adding value to the existing drug prevention evidence base.

The Drug Prevention Research Action Plan project will involve:

• Analysing research needs and gaps identified by drug prevention research published over the past five years in Australia and other relevant jurisdictions;
• Identifying likely future trends and issues pivotal to drug prevention research; and
• Developing a drug prevention research action plan for the PDPC, based on the above analysis.

The Indigenous Drug Prevention Research Action Plan will be informed by:

• A review of drug prevention research published over the past five years that is relevant to the Victorian Indigenous community;
• A series of community consultations in metropolitan, rural and regional Victoria; and
• Likely future trends and issues pivotal to Indigenous drug prevention research.

Understanding context of ecstasy and related drugs

To better understand the changing nature of ecstasy and related drug (ERD) use and to inform the development of relevant drug prevention approaches, the PDPC commissioned the Centre for Youth Drug Studies (Australian Drug Foundation), in collaboration with Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre Inc. and the National Drug Research Institute in Perth, to examine the social and cultural context of ERD use. The study provides valuable insights into ERD use and will inform future prevention and harm minimisation messages for ERD users.

Youth drug reporting system

This project will aim to address an identified gap in drug monitoring and surveillance among young people and will target groups that other surveys do not currently capture. It is intended to serve as a strategic early warning system, identifying emerging trends of local concern in at risk youth drug use and related harms, and will complement the existing Illicit Drug Reporting System.

DirectLine research

Only a small amount of research has been undertaken regarding alcohol and drug helplines. In 2005 the PDPC funded two studies to investigate the help-seeking behaviour of substance users accessing the DirectLine telephone counselling and referral service in Victoria. These studies will inform the service sector with regard to the individuals who use alcohol and drug telephone services, and the role of DirectLine in the treatment pathways of substance users.

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