New data released in Queensland has revealed the number of people using the state’s drug testing facilities and what appears to be a healthier shift in attitudes towards drugs.
The data from Queensland’s drug testing services shows that since March this year, more than 600 people have used the services to test around 840 drug samples. The testing was completed at Queensland’s two fixed drug testing sites – one in Brisbane and another on the Gold Coast – as well as temporary sites at festivals.
Here are some important findings behind the drug testing figures, from the two fixed sites:
- 219 people visited the two fixed sites from April to August 2024.
- The ages of people using the services ranged from 17 to 80, with an average age of 38 years. The vast majority were either employed full time or part time.
- Ten percent of samples tested contained unexpected psychoactive substances, including synthetic cathinones, which are known for their prolonged stimulant effects. Other adulterants found were falsely sold as MDMA, cocaine and ketamine, presenting additional risks to users.
- The detection of adulterants in drug tested helps inform Queensland’s services regarding unusual and potentially harmful substances in circulation. This can also be communicated to the broader community.
- Approximately half of the people who used fixed-site services for drug testing reported that it was their first conversation about substance use with a health professional. This highlights the critical role these services play in reaching people who might otherwise avoid seeking healthcare.
- The findings show 78 per cent of people who used fixed site services would alert or inform others about their results, and 23 per cent stated they would take a smaller dose than originally planned after having their substance tested.
- Additionally, 16 per cent of people indicated a willingness to dispose of additional drug samples.
- A total of 55% of participants indicated they would adopt harm reduction strategies, such as seeking assistance if necessary (23%), being cautious when mixing substances (23%) or avoiding solitary use (10%).
No safe use of drugs in Queensland
The willingness of participants to use Queensland’s drug testing services, alert others about their results and, most importantly, adopt harm reduction strategies is positive. However, there is still no safe use of drugs.
“I want to be clear – there is no safe way to do drugs, but there are ways to reduce harm,” says Queensland Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman.
“That’s why we’re empowering Queenslanders with the information and health advice they need to make informed choices. We want these services to drive informed decision-making and steer people away from using drugs.”
You can see the full media release from the Queensland Government as well as a link to a fixed drug testing sites report here.
FEATURED IMAGE CAPTION:
While new data and responses from participants using drug testing facilities is positive, there is still no safe use of drugs.
