GHB in Sydney, Australia, 2000-2006: a case study of the EDRS as a strategic early warning system

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.

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.

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.

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.