Substance use and mental health

Global Drug Survey Special Edition on COVID-19

Published on: 14 May 2020

The Global Drug Survey (GDS), led by Professor Adam Winstock, is the largest online global survey of people who use drugs.

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Research finds Queenslanders are bad at estimating their level of intoxication

Published on: 1 December 2022

Queenslanders are incapable of assessing their own intoxication levels, especially when their blood alcohol level is high, according to research co-led by The University of Queensland.

Digital drugs: exploring this phenomenon through an international survey of ‘binaural beat’ consumers

Digital drugs are a phenomenon about which little is known. The consumption of digital drugs involves listening to binaural beats - sound which is claimed to mimic the experience of psychoactive drugs, or to elicit specific cognitive or emotional states, often while using ingestible psychoactive substances at the same time. But how common is this practice, and who is using digital drugs, and why? These are the questions our team of researchers from the Global Drug Survey (GDS) aimed to find out through an exploratory analysis of data.

Survey investigates audio files being used as digital drugs

Published on: 1 April 2022

A study has shed light on the little-known phenomenon of binaural beats – where sounds purportedly evoke psychoactive effects.

Insights into psychedelic microdosing from the Global Drug Survey

The Global Drug Survey 2022 is now live!

Published on: 23 November 2021

The Global Drug Survey (GDS) is the world’s largest online global survey of drug use.

Independent three-year study finds good news for Queensland nightlife

Published on: 21 May 2021

The incidence of alcohol-related violence fell in Queensland’s key nightlife areas while business continued to grow after the Queensland Government’s Tackling Alcohol Fuelled Violence (TAFV) policy was introduced, independent research has found.

More Australians use psychedelics to self-treat mental health

Published on: 8 March 2021

Findings from the Global Drug Survey study, a project collaborated on by The University of Queensland’s Associate Professor Jason Ferris, reveals some Australians are turning to psychedelic drugs to self-treat mental illness and emotional distress.

2020 successes for RASSS and GSUMH Unit

Published on: 15 February 2021

Despite the challenges of 2020 the RASSS and GSUMH teams demonstrated their commitment to research excellence with members being recognised with academic awards.

Hangxiety: three ways to reduce alcohol-related regret

Published on: 11 February 2021

With the time warp of Christmas and New Years behind us, we can reflect on Australia’s heavy drinking culture and feelings of regret often associated with drinking alcohol.

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