NCJ Number
125730
Journal
Drug Education Journal of Australia Volume: 4 Issue: 1 Dated: (April 1990) Pages: 17-24
Date Published
1990
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article is a transcript of a paper delivered by Professor David Hawks at the Fourth National Drug Educators' Workshop held in November 1989 in South Australia. It presents a description of research projects conducted by the National Centre for Research into the Prevention of Drug Abuse in Perth, Western Australia that are of particular interest to health educators.
Abstract
Studies of the distribution of consumption of alcohol by the Australian population are summarized with particular focus on daily consumption, strength of drink, safe levels, women drinking at hazardous levels, and price deterrents in alcohol consumption. The surveys demonstrate that a decrease in the consumption of moderate and light drinkers, rather than a decrease in the drinking of excessive drinkers, would significantly reduce alcohol-related problems. Other projects are investigating the abuse of minor tranquilizers, especially benzodiazepines; AIDS prevention through modification of needle sharing and sexual behavior of intravenous (IV) drug users; and environmental features contributing to problem drinking. In addition to the research studies, the Centre produces a guide to the liquor Licensing Act in Western Australia so that residents may bring grievances against offending licensed outlets. 3 figures, 7 tables, and 13 references.