This program will expand research and policy development to overcome androgen misuse (off label testosterone prescribing for invalid indications) and combat androgen ('anabolic steroid') abuse for performance and image enhancement. Beyond expanding ongoing research, it will develop a new focus in developing drugs to accelerate recovery from androgen abuse, thereby preventing relapse during the slow natural recovery period typically lasting 6-18 months or longer
A Phase III Randomised Placebo-controlled Trial Of Mirtazapine As A Pharmacotherapy For Methamphetamine (Ice) Dependence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,923,009.00
Summary
Crystalline methamphetamine ('ice') is a growing concern in Australia. There are no approved medications that can be used to treat dependence on this drug. This clinical trial will examine whether mirtazapine, a newly identified treatment agent for methamphetamine use, can be used safely and effectively in routine clinical care to manage methamphetamine dependence in Australia.
Centre Of Research Excellence In Alcohol And Other Drug Sector Capacity Building For Outcome Focused, Evidence Based And Cost Effective Care (CRE In AOD -CB)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,500,000.00
Summary
AOD use is the number one risk factor for the most death and disability combined in all age groups in Australia. This CRE's mission is to reduce the burden and cost of primary and complex comorbid AOD problems in Australia, by using MBC to increase the capacity of the AOD sector to deliver evidence based, efficient and cost effective care to clients.
Diversion And Misuse Of Stimulant Medication For ADHD Among Illicit Psychostimulant Users
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$152,534.00
Summary
The practices of diversion and misuse of pharmaceutical stimulants give serious cause for concern due to their potential to increase the risk of drug toxicity, dependence, and serious adverse health consequences. These practices may be particularly harmful among illicit psychostimulant users. This will be the first to study the nature of diversion and misuse of pharmaceutical stimulants among illicit psychostimulant users and the first to examine the associated correlates and consequences.
Defining The Clinical Role Of Topiramate In The Treatment Of Alcohol Dependence In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$718,836.00
Summary
We urgently require new strategies for the treatment of alcohol dependence. The effectiveness of currently approved alcohol medications is limited. Emerging data suggests that topiramate has robust effectiveness and that better medicine selection is possible for patients based on their genotype. We propose to conduct a double-blind randomised controlled trial to examine the clinical and cost effectiveness of topiramate using a genetically based personalised approach.
The applicant is a clinical psychologist. Research focuses on developing, evaluating and disseminating psychological interventions for co-existing mental health (e.g. schizophrenia, depression, anxiety) and alcohol and other drug problems (e.g. alcohol, c
The Relationship Between Cannabis Use And Symptoms And Relapse In Psychosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$169,604.00
Summary
Cannabis is increasingly widely used and abused by young people. Use in young people with schizophrenia is even more extensive. There is some suggestion that this drug use is a result of their illness, ie to reduce unpleasant symptoms or feelings. Equally the drug may contribute to their psychosis. This study aims to assess the degree to which psychosis may be caused by cannabis use in vulnerable young people.
An Impirical Investigation Of Psychosis Proneness In Amphetamine Users: Current And Predictive Validity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$462,750.00
Summary
The use of amphetamines has increased in Australia in the last decade. According to the 1998 National Household Survey, lifetime use of amphetamines has increased by over 50% from approximately 6% in 1995 to approximately 9% in 1998; recent use (last 12 months) has increased from 2% in 1995 to approximately 4% in 1998. This increase appears to be even greater in Queensland, the site of the proposed study, which has seen both an overall increase in the use of illicit drugs and an increase in the ....The use of amphetamines has increased in Australia in the last decade. According to the 1998 National Household Survey, lifetime use of amphetamines has increased by over 50% from approximately 6% in 1995 to approximately 9% in 1998; recent use (last 12 months) has increased from 2% in 1995 to approximately 4% in 1998. This increase appears to be even greater in Queensland, the site of the proposed study, which has seen both an overall increase in the use of illicit drugs and an increase in the use of amphetamines specifically. The most recent estimate of the number of current users (use within the last 12months) aged 14 years and over in Queensland is 85.5000. This compares to 17.000 recent heroin users in the same age range. Of particular concern is the increase in the use of methamphetamine, which has high abuse potential producing euphoric effects that are similar to, but longer lasting than, those of cocaine. Also of concern, given the increasing purity and availablity of methamphetamine, is the link between amphetamine use and psychosis, a psychotic disorder characterised by sensory hallucinations, paranoid delusions and a loosening of associations. Despite this well established link, there are surprisingly few studies in which the course and onset of amphetamine psychosis has been studied. In this reseach the relationship between subclinical features of psychosis, measures of psychosis proneness and other factors implicated in the development of schizophrenia will be investigated in a prospective cohort in which amphetamine users will be followed up once per month for twelve months.Read moreRead less
The Value Of Providing Health Interventions For Heroin Use: A Cost Benefit Analysis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$599,585.00
Summary
Heroin use and associated harms can be reduced through effective treatment. Past research has shown that treatment for heroin dependence can be relatively cost-effective, but not whether heroin treatment overall is a good investment. This unique study will estimate the net social benefit of heroin treatment, taking into account health, crime and family consequences. The results will help Australia respond better to this devastating health problem.
Increasing Knowledge About Substance Use, Mental Health And Harms, And Interventions To Prevent And Reduce Harm
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$849,540.00
Summary
This Fellowship comprises three programmes of work: 1. epidemiology of illicit drug use (including the natural history of use: incidence, prevalence, persistence, desistance and relapse), contribution to the burden of disease; 2. Pharmaceutical opioids, the impact of opioid dependence, and treatments to reduce harm; 3. Risk and resilience in young people. This work will inform prevention, early intervention and treatment initiatives.