GHB in Sydney, Australia, 2000-2006: a case study of the EDRS as a strategic early warning system.
BACKGROUND
This paper documents the operation of Australia's Ecstasy and Related Drugs Reporting System (EDRS), using multiple data sources to document trends in gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) use in Sydney, Australia between the years 2000-2006.


METHODS
The EDRS monitors trends in ecstasy and related drug markets by means of a triangulation of data from interviews with regular ecstasy users (REU), surveys with key experts (KE), and analysis of secondary indicator data sources.


RESULTS
The proportion of REU reporting lifetime GHB use increased from 5% in 2000 to 40% in 2006 and the proportion reporting recent use increased from 1% in 2000 to 21% in 2006. KE reports suggest GHB use may be a concern amongst specific drug user subcultures. REU and KE data suggest a change in the locations in which GHB is used, with a shift from dance venues and events to private homes and parties. There is a lack of indicator data from both health and law enforcement data collection systems concerning GHB.


CONCLUSIONS
The EDRS has effectively monitored the increase in GHB amongst REU over the past seven years in Sydney, Australia. This increase is unlikely to have been as readily identified by other surveillance systems.
Dunn
Matthew
M
National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. m.dunn@unsw.edu.au
Topp
Libby
L
Degenhardt
Louisa
L
D004335:Drug and Narcotic Control / Q000379:methods*; D005104:Expert Testimony; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000600:supply & distribution; D009517:New South Wales / Q000453:epidemiology; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods; D015995:Prevalence; D012978:Sodium Oxybate / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*
D013287:Illicit Drugs; D012978:Sodium Oxybate