The IDRS survey

Illicit Drug Reporting SystemFor several years now TasCAHRD has supported the Illicit Drug Reporting System (IDRS) by promoting the annual national study and accommodating the interviews between researchers and our consumers.

The survey is funded by the Australian Government’s, Department of Health and Ageing. In Tasmania this project is undertaken by The University of Tasmania, School of Psychology. Participants undertaking the interview are injecting drug users from all walks of life and all ages. Most participants are clients of TasCAHRD’s services.

 There are criteria participants must meet to qualify. These include i.e. people who are regular drug users and  who currently inject drugs Data is gathered during a one hour, confidential interview about the person’s current and past drug use, their drug taking behaviours, where illicit drug supplies are obtained and for how much money. This enables the researchers to gather comparative information about how much of a certain drug is used and how much it costs in different states and territories and develops a holistic picture of drug trends occurring over the last twelve months. This data provides valuable information to the Australian and State Government and drug and alcohol organisations to enable them to plan new health initiatives and services to a Government’s drug policies and policing strategies.

Aaron Meyrick

Harm Reduction Officer