Australian Medical Association

AMA Vice President, Dr Steve Hambleton, said today that Schoolies Week is a traditional celebration for students after a tough year, but it is also a time of high health risk for young people.

Dr Hambleton, a Brisbane GP, said the focus has been on preventing the risks of alcohol and binge drinking but students should be equally careful and cautious about their sexual health.

“Schoolies Week is a time when young people can be pressured to have sex, and alcohol is often involved,” Dr Hambleton said.

MJA Media Release -  Buprenorphine-naloxone a helpful addition to opioid substitution treatment

People who inject drugs may be less likely to inject buprenorphine-naloxone than other opioid substitutes, according to the results of a recent study published in the Medical Journal of Australia.

Buprenorphine is used to treat heroin dependence.

This position statement details the measures the AMA believes are necessary to reduce the harms associated with excess consumption of alcohol in Australia. The AMA makes recommendations about prevention, early intervention and treatment regarding alcohol consumption, and include a focus on problem drinking among young Australians. This position statement is supported by an AMA background information paper on alcohol consumption and patterns of harm.

Excess alcohol use, and the harms it produces, continue to be a  major health problem in Australia. It is crucial that alcohol policy is informed by pertinent and comprehensive evidence. This AMA Information Paper provides up to date information and data on alcohol consumption and harms in Australia.

Youth Health: Drugs

Youth Health: Cannabis and your health

AMA Position Statement: Methamphetamine - 2008

AMA Position Statement: Principles in Relation to Harm Caused by Substance Use and/or Compulsive Behaviour - 2006

AMA Position Statement: Cannabis - 2006

AMA Position Statement: Drugs in Sport - 2000