A new Curtin University-based research project co-led by people with lived experience, researchers and health services will tackle the growing risk of young people taking dangerous drug combinations - often unknowingly - at music festivals and school leavers events.
The project, led by Professor Simon Lenton from Curtin's National Drug Research Institute based in the Curtin enAble Institute, will work closely with young people to better understand and reduce the harms caused by mixing drugs (known as polysubstance use) and the hidden presence of dangerous synthetic substances.
The three-year national, collaborative project is supported by a $1.3 million grant from the Australian Government through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) targeted at drug use by young people under the 2024 Alcohol and Other Drugs initiative.
Professor Lenton said in an illegal drug market young people often don't know what they're actually taking and what looks like ecstasy or cocaine may contain fentanyl or other deadly opioids.
"Most overdose deaths involve a mix of drugs and many of the substances out there today have unknown components, making them especially risky," Professor Lenton said.
Young Australians aged 16 to 24 will be invited to take part in the study by completing anonymous surveys before and after music festivals and school leavers events, and through short daily surveys via mobile phone.
The research will also incorporate data from drug checking and health services to build a clearer picture of what substances people have actually used and how they affect their mental and physical health. It will engage with services and young people with lived experience to codesign effective responses to prevent and manage health harms.
Curtin University Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research John Curtin Distinguished Professor Melinda Fitzgerald congratulated the research team on receiving important funding to address a growing public health issue.
"This work is a vital step forward in reducing drug-related harm. By combining world-class research expertise with lived experience, this project is uniquely positioned to develop practical solutions that will ultimately save lives," Professor Fitzgerald said.
The project brings together experts from Curtin University, Royal Perth Hospital, the Australian National University, Monash University and the University of Tasmania working in partnership with Harm Reduction Victoria, Peer Based Harm Reduction WA, The Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy, Pill Testing Australia and Students for Sensible Drug Policy.
Further information on the MRFF is available online here and on NDRI is here.
