Drug use has been increasing, whether it be cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, hallucinogens or ketamine. That includes recreational use and substance abuse.

So it begs the question: Has criminalising drugs ever worked? And what needs to be done to drive down the harms associated with this increasing drug use?

If you're in need of support, you can contact the National Alcohol and Other Drug hotline on 1800 250 015, or contact Counselling Online. 

Credits
Abigail Leeder, Reporter
Shelby Traynor, Producer

Where Australia stands on drug decriminalisation

Specialist and mainstream audiences alike rely on the Health Report to bring clarity to health and medical issues from social, scientific and political points of view.

Medicine

Science & Medicine

Science

Health & Fitness

Correcting the record on fructose, and new research offers some clues about whose allergies might desist as they grow up. 

Also, new insights from a vaccine complication, and the risk of catching a common virus during pregnancy.

The 'sweet poison' fructose myth, and outgrowing childhood allergies

How bird flu has (probably) gone from cows to humans, as well as the latest on psychedelics for depression and psychotropics in healthcare.

How much time you should spend sitting, standing, moving and sleeping for the optimal 24 hours. 

How sexuality might shorten your lifespan. And why the health effects of nanoplastics are so difficult to uncover.

Are cows giving us bird flu? And everything we (don't) know about nanoplastics

Researchers have found a possible link between iron and long-COVID

Each year the flu vaccine is reformulated to target the current strains of influenza A and B that are circulating globally — but what if it didn't need to be?

A new review of Health at Every Size shows that, at least when it comes to measures like cholesterol and blood pressure, it's not enough on its own.

One of the most common interventions for IBS is an elimination diet to try to identify a trigger. But that diet might carry its own risk – of triggering disordered eating – a new study warns.

While grief effects everyone differently, a small group of people can find themselves 'stuck' in intense grief – it's not depression, it's prolonged grief disorder, and it can be treated.

The Health Report mailbag features "stoolgazing" and when to collect your own samples… or not.

You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au

Iron for long-COVID, 'holy grail' flu shots, and prolonged grief disorder

Avian influenza particles have been detected in US milk supplies, just how concerning is that?

Why are COVID treatment recommendations different depending on what country you're in?

And how much does the average Australian know about preventing dementia?

The latest research on bras and knees. You might not think they have much to do with each other, but it turns out that wearing the right bra might actually reduce a woman's risk of a serious knee injury.

Pregnancy has been linked to accelerated biological ageing — in simple terms, how old your cells are.

And why being released from prison is a health risk.

Sports bras support knees, bird flu in milk, and health after prison release

Research into the influence of gender on autism spectrum disorder diagnoses.

Calculating how many lives were saved by Australia's Covid-19 vaccine roll-out, and how to spot a fake Dr Karl, or Dr Swan, in the wilds of social media marketing.

A review into how cognitive behavioural therapy can help young people who've experienced trauma.

Recently updated WHO guidelines say babies as young as six months can start drinking cow's milk rather than infant formula, but that contradicts Australia's national guidelines.

And the Federal Government has recently released more funds to build the local bone marrow donor system… but is it enough?

Where Australia stands on drug decriminalisation

Download our free app to listen on your phone