Publications

The fatal overdose data released today by the Coroners Court of Victoria is of great concern to VAADA, highlighting the ongoing despair and pain in our community from continuing high rates of fatal overdose.

In 2023, the Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA), engaged the Drug Policy Modelling Program, University of New South Wales (UNSW), to review the current state of the Victorian Alcohol & Other Drug (AOD) treatment system.

Potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl and nitazenes are a looming threat to our community. In response, Harm Reduction Victoria and the Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA) have developed a comprehensive paper urging the Victorian Government and sector to implement a coordinated Potent Synthetic Opioids Plan.

VAADA and the AOD sector are celebrating as the Victorian Government has announced their commitment to a drug checking implementation trial in Victoria. VAADA has been actively advocating for this over the past 12 months and we look forward to supporting its development. Earlier this year Harm Reduction Victoria and VAADA developed a report...

In this submission we address the complex interplay between substance use and domestic and family violence and how this requires a multifaceted approach to enhance data collection and management within the AOD sector.

See VAADA's analysis of the 2024 Victorian State Budget.

The 2024/25 Victorian State Budget maintains AOD funding at existing levels, with a 1% increase to $376.3M. This includes $9.7m for the Statewide Action Plan, but excludes a 2nd overdose prevention centre in the CBD. VAADA remains concerned about surging demand for AOD treatment and the sustainability of services.

This paper presents a preferred model for drug checking in Victoria, providing principles for equitable access, an approach to reducing harms for those intending to use drugs, and the establishment of a real time public alert system that can keep our community safe.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) early insights report into alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment has revealed surging demand for AOD treatment in Victoria. The report confirms the Victorian treatment sector’s experience of an overwhelmed AOD system that is unable to respond to community demand for timely support...

VAADA’s submission to the inquiry into vaping and tobacco controls by the Victorian Public Accounts and Estimates Committee makes the case for an evidence-based approach to e-cigarettes. Balancing prevention with harm reduction, VAADA advocates for a well-regulated market for e-cigarettes as a consumer product.