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Completed Projects

WHO Multi-site Methamphetamine Psychosis Project

This project examined the extent and nature of the adverse health and psychiatric symptoms, and their social consequences, associated with amphetamine-induced psychotic episodes. The project was based in four countries in the South-East Asia region (Australia, Thailand, Philippines and Japan). The WHO Centre was the international coordinating site for the multi-site data collection, and was responsible for collecting Australian data. The research involved interviews with amphetamine users admitted to psychiatric units with psychotic episodes, and examined patterns of amphetamine and other drug use, risk behaviours and current treatment approaches for these problems.

WHO Multi-site Functional Use of Amphetamine-Type Stimulants (ATS) Project

This study investigated occupational (functional) use of amphetamine-type stimulants. The project was conducted at three international collaborating centres in Asia (China, Philippines and Thailand) and one in Africa (Nigeria), with coordination of international data collection conducted through the Australian participating site and the National Addiction Centre at the Maudsley Hospital in London, UK. The groups examined included long distance commercial drivers, factory and agricultural workers, secondary school and undergraduate university/technical students, and sex industry workers in entertainment settings. The study examined patterns of use and correlates of harm resulting from ATS use in the context of work related performance enhancement.

Evaluation of Vietnam’s Compulsory Rehabilitation and Treatment Centres

In 2004, the Centre was sponsored by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to provide technical advice and training for an evaluation of Vietnam’s compulsory rehabilitation and treatment centres.

Review of Pain Management Techniques for Patients on Buprenorphine Maintenance Therapy.

In 2005, this South Australian-based study replicated a French review that examined strategies used by doctors to manage buprenorphine maintenance clients who present with either acute or chronic pain. The review involved a survey of private prescriber GPs as well as prison health medical officers, specialists working at the Flinders and Royal Adelaide pain clinics and medical officers at Warinilla. A research bulletin containing a report on the findings is available.

Review of the Literature on Ecstasy

In 2001, the WHO Centre completed a comprehensive review of the literature on the epidemiology, pharmacology, neurotoxicity, adverse effects and treatment of ecstacy use. This work has now been published by the WHO as a research monograph, with a summary version published by the Drug and Alcohol Review journal.