Research You Can Use – Page 3 – Dalgarno Institute

Report: Pain, Brain & Drug Free Equipping

Opening Chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia, migraines, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) present with complex symptoms, often involving both physical sensations and intense emotional suffering. Recent neuroscience advances, particularly a July 2025 study from the Salk Institute, have identified a key brain circuit that gives pain its emotional tone, transforming our understanding of pain and paving the […]

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Diversion Not Decriminalisation – Is The Key To Rehabilitation

Abstract The evolving crisis of drug addiction and its intersection with the criminal justice system has prompted critical reassessment of punitive legal models. This paper argues that meaningful rehabilitation is best achieved through judicially guided diversion rather than decriminalisation alone. Drawing from case studies such as Unit 104 at the Kenton County Detention Center, Portsmouth’s

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New Digital Lessons to Combat Teen Vaping in Schools

Teen vaping is on the rise. Around the world, 16.8% of young people have already tried e-cigarettes, often starting as early as 14 years old. The risks? Nicotine addiction, lung damage, harmful chemicals, and even mental health concerns. Schools are on the frontline to tackle this issue, and now, a new programme called ‘Our Futures

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The Psychedelic Movement in the US: A Risky Experiment?

The resurgence of psychedelics in the United States has reignited fierce debates about their safety, efficacy, and the ethical concerns surrounding their use in mental health treatment. Once dismissed as dangerous hallucinogens associated with counterculture movements, substances like MDMA and psilocybin are now being promoted as potential therapies for mental health disorders. But despite the

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Reducing Substance Abuse Problems: Youth Abstinence Policies are Superior to Harm Reduction Policies.

SUMMARY: Australian youth harm minimisation drug policies increased substance use and harm and were inferior to American abstinence polices. When Australia adopted abstinence polices, substance use and harm reduced Professor John Toumbourou, Deakin University. View PDF

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HARM REDUCTION – Australia’s Drug Policy Dilemma – Time for Prevention, Demand Reduction, and Recovery

In what might go down as the most expensive experiment in missing the point, Australia’s decades-long dance with harm reduction policies has produced results that would be laughable if they weren’t so tragic. New data reveals a sobering reality: whenever harm reduction takes centre stage, drug-related deaths perform their own tragic encore. Historical Context: Australia’s

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Psychiatric risks for worsened mental health after psychedelic use

Background: Resurgent psychedelic research has largely supported the safety and efficacy of psychedelic therapy for the treatment of various psychiatric disorders. As psychedelic use and therapy increase in prevalence, so does the importance of understanding associated risks. Cases of prolonged negative psychological responses to psychedelic therapy seem to be rare; however, studies are limited by biases

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Transition to Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder Following Emergency Department Visits Due to Substance Use With and Without Psychosis – Cannabis Tops the List

Question: What is the risk of developing schizophrenia spectrum disorder following an emergency department (ED) visit caused by substance use with and without psychosis? Findings: In this cohort study of 9.8 million people, individuals with an ED visit for substance-induced psychosis or substance use without psychosis were at increased risk of developing schizophrenia spectrum disorder within 3

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The use of psychedelic drugs to treat mental illness is allowed in Australia, but confusion remains.

Months after Australia found itself at the global forefront of work to treat mental illness using psychedelic substances found in illicit drugs like ecstasy and magic mushrooms, those working in the field say confusion is rife. A surprise decision by the country’s drug regulator to approve the use of the substances, which caught even those working in

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We don’t want to run before we walk

“We don’t want to run before we walk”: the attitudes of Australian stakeholders towards using psychedelics for mental health conditions Conclusions: Stakeholder representatives and politicians agree that insufficient evidence exists to support the widespread clinical implementation of psychedelics in Australia. Politicians also perceive the stigma associated with psychedelics might negatively influence progressive legislation. Additional research and a

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