Dose podcasts

Episode 1: The Ice Epidemic

This episode analyses the so-called "Ice" methamphetamine epidemic.Through an analysis of the population 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 is stable or going down 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.

Episode 1: The ice epidemic (30Mb)

Episode 2: Needles, syringes and culture

Syringes inspire hope, fear, pleasure, pain, and confidence. Like any technology, what we do with them and how we use them, gives them meaning. Since their inception syringes have represented different things to different segments of the community.

This podcast uses material from an upcoming exhibition that celebrates the syringe in all its dimensions through the different cultural and emotional landscapes into which they are insinuated. Our culture determines what syringes can do and alternately, how syringes have shaped the culture of technology, medicine, the clinic, communities, the body, and drug use.

Episode 2: Needle and syringe cultures part 1 (17 Mb)

Episode 2: Needle and syringe culturse part 2 (9 Mb)

Episode 2: Needle and syringe cultures part 3 (8Mb)

Download exhibition trailer exhibit_teaser.divx (20Mb)

Trailer is in DivX format, you may need to download the DivX media player.

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Episode 3: Dual diagnosis

In 2006, the Australian Senate Select Committee on Mental Health produced a major contribution to the issue of dual diagnosis, or the co-occurrence of a substance use issue with a mental health issue. In this edition of dose we review the findings of the report, evaluate current initiatives and interview a leading figure in the field, Mr Gary Croton.

Episode 3, Part 1 Dual diagnosis analysis of the arena (22 Mb)

Episode 3, Part 2 Interview with Gray Croton (12 Mb)

Suggested readings

Parliament of Australia Senate Select Committee on Mental Health: A national approach to mental health – from crisis to community: Final Report, 2006.

Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre: Statewide Dual Diagnosis Initiative Evaluation: Final Report, 2004.

National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), University of New South Wales: Comorbid mental disorders and substance use disorders: epidemiology, prevention and treatment, 2003.

Council of Australian Governments (COAG): National Action Plan on Mental Health 2006 – 2011, 2006.

Victorian Government Department of Human Services (DHS): Dual Diagnosis: Key directions and priorities for service development, 2007.

Episode 4: In memorium: Dr Stephen Luke

In September 2008, New Zealand needle and syringe program sociologist Steve Luke died from complications after a car accident. His PhD thesis on the history of the development of the New Zealand "peer professional" syringe worker is a unique, valuable and rare piece of work. Dose profiles Steve's work drawing on materials from a memorial at the Dangerous Consumptions VI conference (Auckland, December 2008) and thoughts from friends and colleagues.

Episode 4, Steve Luke in memorium (19 Mb)

Suggested readings

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Site Authorised by J.Fitzgerald. Last edited January 6, 2009.