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Methamphetamine – the Respiratory System & Covid-19: Bad Combination
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities.
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Victoria is in the news seeking to open a fixed pill testing site as Pill Testing Australia operatives have shifted their focus from their ineffective and harm-escalating** pill testing narrative to one that now includes testing all manner of illicit drugs in a new operation they call ‘drug checking’.
ABC has been posting warnings about more potent opioids such as fentanyl and nitazenes, inferring that their higher potencies create higher death ratios amongst opioid users. But Drug Free Australia demonstrates that this is most certainly untrue. The ABC posts say,
“Non-prescription drug overdose deaths in the ACT have doubled since the start of 2024 to 20. Police have renewed warnings to users about the dangers of highly potent substances being increasingly detected in illicit drugs, such as fentanyl and nitazines.”
But it takes only two graphs from Australia’s official 2024 opioid overdose report to falsify this misinformation.
The first shows that deaths from the use of ALL opioids have risen at very similar rates since the 2007 Federal Government scrapped Tough on Drugs, which had kept opioid deaths at around 360 per annum between 2001 and 2007. Deaths from all opioid types increased sharply post-2007, with deaths from the more potent Fentanyl increasing in line with the other opioids.
Just like pill testing, where Pill Testing Australia falsely** implied that most pill deaths came from other drugs or contaminants mixed into the pills, the new ‘drug checking’ narrative comes from the same playbook now used for decades in Australia. They used to say that our masses of heroin fatalities were from criminals putting toxic contaminants in the powders or from wildly variable purities but the science demonstrated that this was simply false (p xiii). It later emerged that just as many died from strictly uncontaminated and purity-controlled pharmaceutical opiates as from criminal-supplied heroin, both at roughly 1% of dependent users per year. In fact, the vast majority of opiate overdoses have had the same unifying cause – using opioids with other drugs such as alcohol and benzodiazepenes as the second graph below very clearly demonstrates. NOTE CAREFULLY THE BOTTOM-MOST RED LINE – that is the one that includes deaths from Fentanyl alone. And it says the very opposite of what ABC and their ilk infer.
The fact that Australian overdose reports show no major change in the ratio of polydrug-use deaths against opiates used alone suggests, despite the increased potency of Fentanyl and Nitazenes, that drug users accommodate for the increased potency of these newer substances. When opiate deaths peaked at 1,116 in 1999, 1% of dependent heroin users were dying. Very recent fatal overdose rates for countries with heavy Fentanyl use, which is 50 times stronger, show the same 1% dying again - pointing an accusing finger at polydrug use for BOTH opiate types. We would expect similar user accommodation with Nitazenes which can be similar to, or stronger than Fentanyl, where weakened physiology of long-term opiate users and polydrug use are moreso causal in most fatalities.
Across Australia opiate users experience 72 non-fatal overdoses (p59) and two - three opiate fatalities per day, so these already troubling statistics can be alarmingly manipulated by media, and more made of these deaths than is warranted. Drug Free Australia does not deny that criminal-manufactured pills with high potency opioids masquerading as lower potency opioids will cause some unexpected fatalities, but much more evidence is needed to show that these are anything but the tiny minority of fatalities.
Balanced against this are the massive number of opiate deaths caused by the harm reductionist messaging which teaches the ‘safe use of illicit drugs’, of which drug checking is seminally a part. This messaging quadrupled opiate deaths between 1984 (below 250 for 15-44 year olds) and 1,116 for 15-54 year olds in 1999. The prevention and rehabilitation priorities of Tough on Drugs made opiate deaths plummet by 67% (or a massive 750 opiate deaths per year), where they stayed for 7 years until a new Federal Government scrapped them. In the decade following, with the ‘safe use of drugs’ message again prioritised, opiate deaths skyrocketed 260% with other contributing polydrug-use illicit drug deaths increasing 210-590% as can be very clearly seen in the graph above. Harm Reduction’s ‘safe use of drugs’ ideology has very demonstrably added many, many thousands of opiate deaths to Australian mortality tolls and heavily weights any set of balances against a few lives saved by ‘drug checking’. Drug Free Australia has no problem with law enforcement continuing to publicise contaminants or adulterants in seized drugs, maintaining the message that drug use is not acceptable, rather than allowing drug-normalisating NGOs to take that role.
Gary Christian
PRESIDENT
Drug Free Australia
0422 163 141
This email is sent on the understanding that it is every Australian organisation’s right to inform and petition their political representatives.
** Of the 392 MDMA related deaths between mid-2000 and mid-2018 in Australia, pill testing fails to address the real causes of such pill deaths in this country. Pill testing cannot identify those who will die from allergic-like reactions (14%), or those who will co-use ecstasy with other legal or illegal drugs (48% of deaths), or those who are accident-prone while intoxicated (29% of deaths). There have only been 3 ‘bad batch’ deaths over those years, implicating MDMA as the drug responsible for almost every Australian ecstasy death. Yet Pill Testing GREENLIGHTS (p 11) MDMA in a pill, giving the thumbs-up to a killer drug. This will keeping adding to our mortality toll.
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The AFL Illicit Drugs Policy finds itself at a crossroads that could define the integrity of Australian sport for generations to come. With Sport Integrity Australia’s chief executive David Sharpe warning that “all Australian sport has reached a crossroad in dealing with illicit drug use, player mental health and wellbeing and criminal infiltration of sport,” the spotlight has never burned brighter on the AFL’s controversial “three strikes” illicit drug policy.
The Numbers Don’t Lie – But They Tell a Troubling Story
The AFL’s own figures paint a picture that would make any statistician raise an eyebrow. In 2013, out of 1,998 tests conducted, just 15 players tested positive to illicit substances – a detection rate of merely 0.75%. AFL General Manager Mark Evans declared this policy “continued to be effective,” but the mathematics tell a different tale entirely.
Consider this sobering reality: with an estimated 5-10 tests per player annually, a player using illicit substances faces roughly a 1 in 10,000 chance of being detected before facing suspension. That’s not deterrence – that’s a statistical lottery where the odds overwhelmingly favour continued drug use.
When Protection Becomes Permission
The AFL Illicit Drugs Policy, operational since 2005, runs parallel to the World Anti-Doping Authority protocols but operates under vastly different principles. Where WADA focuses on immediate consequences and fair competition, the AFL’s approach relies on a graduated response system that, in practice, creates an almost insurmountable barrier to meaningful intervention.
Under the current system, a player must test positive three separate times before facing serious sanctions. The first detection brings a £5,000 fine and counselling. The second makes their name public with a four-match suspension. Only the third triggers a 12-match suspension that could threaten their career.
But here’s the mathematical reality that makes this policy more fiction than deterrent: even with consistent drug use over a decade, a player tested 10 times annually has less than a 1% chance of reaching that crucial third strike.
The Duty of Care Dilemma
Sporting organisations have both legal and ethical responsibilities to protect their athletes’ health and safety. This duty of care extends beyond simply having policies on paper – it requires those policies to be effective in practice.
Early intervention has consistently proven more protective against harmful drug use than attempting to minimise damage after serious harm has already occurred. Yet the AFL’s current system, with its extraordinarily low detection rates, effectively nullifies the benefits of early identification and intervention.
Dr Peter Harcourt, AFL Medical Director, noted that most players detected in 2013 “reported they accessed illicit substances opportunistically while socialising with friendship groups outside their clubs… almost always after significant alcohol consumption.” This insight suggests that many instances of drug use are spontaneous rather than systematic – making the argument for robust, frequent testing even more compelling.
Alternative Models: Learning from Success
The solution isn’t rocket science – it’s basic probability theory applied with purpose. Hair testing, which can detect drug use for up to three months after consumption, represents a game-changing alternative to current urine testing protocols.
Consider these dramatically different outcomes:
- Current system: With 10 tests per year at 0.75% detection rate, a player faces minimal risk
- Enhanced system: Including hair testing at 25% frequency with 10 annual tests pushes cumulative detection probability above 95% within a decade
- Robust system: Hair testing at 50% frequency virtually guarantees detection within two years
The NRL and international sporting bodies have already demonstrated that higher detection rates don’t destroy sport – they protect it.
Beyond Numbers: The Human Cost
The AFL Players’ Association’s acting CEO Ian Prendergast proudly declared theirs “the most developed illicit drug policy in world sport,” emphasising the medical approach to drug use. Yet development without effectiveness is merely elaborate window dressing.
Luke Ball, AFLPA President, acknowledged that “drugs are a very real issue within society, and that players are not immune to this.” This recognition makes the policy’s ineffectiveness all the more troubling. If players aren’t immune to societal drug issues, they deserve protection systems that actually work.
The Integrity Imperative
Elite sport exists in a unique space where athletes serve as role models for countless young Australians. The integrity of competition, the health of players, and the trust of fans all depend on robust, effective policies that don’t just look good in press releases but deliver real protection.
The current AFL approach – whether by design or accident – creates a system where illicit drug use carries virtually no meaningful risk of detection or consequence. This isn’t player welfare; it’s institutionalised negligence dressed up in medical terminology.
Time for Real Change
Sport Integrity Australia’s David Sharpe identified this crossroads moment for Australian sport. The AFL has an opportunity to lead by example, implementing reforms that other codes could follow:
- Abandon the “three strikes” policy – the most cost-effective reform that immediately increases accountability
- Introduce comprehensive hair testing – extending detection windows from days to months
- Increase testing frequency – making regular use genuinely unsustainable
- Implement immediate, meaningful consequences – ensuring early intervention actually occurs early
The Bottom Line
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon faces a defining moment for his leadership and his sport. The choice is clear: continue with a policy that sounds progressive but protects no one, or implement changes that prioritise genuine player welfare and sporting integrity.
The mathematics are unforgiving, the duty of care is unambiguous, and the time for action is now. Australian sport has indeed reached a crossroads – and it’s time to choose the path that leads to real protection, not statistical sleight of hand.
The AFL illicit drugs policy isn’t protecting players – it’s protecting the problem. For the sake of the players, the clubs, and the millions of Australians who look to AFL stars as role models, it’s time to change the game plan entirely.
Because when the house odds are rigged against detection, everyone loses – except the drugs.
(Source: WRD News)
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The rapid expansion of synthetic drugs is fuelling the synthetic drug crisis, transforming illicit markets worldwide and presenting a growing threat to global health. Unlike traditional plant-based drugs, synthetic substances can be produced anywhere without the need for large-scale cultivation, making them both cheaper and easier to manufacture. This alarming trend has escalated the synthetic drug crisis, leading to record-high overdose deaths and intensifying public health crises across the globe.
With powerful opioids like fentanyl and nitazenes dominating the scene, synthetic drugs are not only reshaping the drug trade but also posing new and complex challenges for law enforcement and policymakers.
The Rise of Synthetic Drugs
Synthetic drugs have emerged as the dominant force in illicit markets due to their ease of production and lower costs. These substances require only chemical compounds and laboratories to create, bypassing the need for agricultural efforts associated with plant-based drugs like heroin and cocaine.
Highly potent opioids such as fentanyl and nitazenes are driving the crisis, with their strength being so extreme that even tiny doses can lead to fatal overdoses. According to INCB President Jallal Toufiq, “The rapid expansion of the illicit synthetic drug industry represents a major global public health threat with potentially disastrous consequences for humankind.”
This dire warning calls for urgent and collective action to combat this escalating crisis.
Traffickers Staying One Step Ahead
Criminal organisations have proven extremely skilled at evading current regulations, exploiting loopholes, and using emerging technologies to advance their operations. AI tools now assist traffickers in identifying alternative chemicals for production, allowing them to rapidly pivot if a substance is banned.
Additionally, new smuggling methods such as drone technology and postal deliveries make detection more challenging than ever. The effectiveness of these strategies is evident in the numbers, with seizures of synthetic substances now surpassing those of plant-based drugs.
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Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) is a serious and complex condition that deserves more attention in discussions about substance use. It involves persistent perceptual disturbances that continue long after the use of certain psychoactive substances, particularly hallucinogens like LSD and psilocybin. This disorder is not just rare—it significantly affects the lives of those who experience it, leading to distress, disrupted daily functioning, and a significant decline in quality of life.
What Is HPPD?
HPPD occurs when individuals re-experience perceptual symptoms they first encountered during drug use. These are not ordinary hallucinations but rather “pseudo-hallucinations,” which means the affected person is fully aware that these perceptions are not real. Symptoms commonly include visual disturbances like halos around lights, trailing images, or patterns that linger in one’s vision.
This condition often follows the use of classic psychedelics, but it’s not exclusive to them. Other substances, including MDMA, ketamine, and even cannabinoids, have also been linked to HPPD in some cases. Alarmingly, there have been instances of symptoms appearing after non-hallucinogenic substances, such as amphetamines or certain prescription medications. This broad connection to various substances raises significant concerns.
Who Does It Affect?
The prevalence of HPPD is difficult to pin down, but existing studies offer worrying insights. Research suggests that around 4.2% of psychedelic users may experience HPPD, with most affected individuals being young, typically in their early twenties. The disorder’s elusiveness is further compounded by its overlap with other medical and psychological conditions, making proper diagnosis a complex task.
It’s worth noting that symptoms can persist for an extended time, making the long-term effects on cognitive and psychological health a pressing issue. The persistence of visual disturbances can itself impact tasks requiring focus and visual processing, further interfering with everyday life.
The Neuropsychological Impact of HPPD
HPPD is not only a matter of distorted perception—it may also carry cognitive implications. Studies exploring its effects on brain function have revealed potential deficits, particularly in visual-spatial memory, executive functioning, and cognitive flexibility. For instance, difficulties were observed in tasks that required visual recall or problem-solving under changing rules and conditions.
While formal statistical analyses have yet to establish significant group differences, individual cases frequently highlight below-average performance in key cognitive areas. This suggests that the effects of HPPD could be more pronounced than larger group studies are currently capable of capturing with small sample sizes.
A Warning for Substance Use
One of the most concerning aspects of HPPD is its unpredictable nature. Not everyone who uses hallucinogens will experience HPPD, but for those who do, the consequences can be lasting and life-altering. Some individuals developed the condition after just one instance of using psychedelics. This unpredictability underlines the significant risks of deliberate substance use—risks that often go unspoken in settings that romanticise or downplay the dangers of psychoactive substances.
Even beyond the physical and mental toll on functionality, substance use of this kind comes with a range of unknowns. Substances used recreationally may vary in purity, dose, and quality, which only heightens the danger.
Moving Forward with Knowledge
Understanding HPPD gives us insight into how harmful hallucinogens and other psychoactive substances can be. When perceptual disturbances interfere with basic daily actions and cognitive functions, it becomes clear that the risks heavily outweigh the supposed “benefits” often touted about psychedelics. While some argue for their controlled use, the evidence strongly suggests that the unpredictable consequences extend far beyond what anyone anticipates.
This condition serves as a stark reminder that no psychoactive substance is truly “safe.” For those considering hallucinogens, it’s crucial to fully appreciate the possibility of severe, lasting consequences like HPPD. The more people know about these risks, the better chance we have to prevent unnecessary suffering. Living without drugs is the best way to stay healthy and keep a clear mind. (Source: Nature)
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