Research

In Australia, 74% of 14 year olds, and 90.9% of 17 year olds report having ever consumed alcohol. Despite the legal age to buy and consume alcohol remaining at 18, young people are obviously finding ways to access alcohol - and parents are one of the main sources.

Cannabis, or marijunana, is the most commonly used illicit drug. It has the least severe legal penalties if caught for possession, however these penalties vary from state to state.

The role of parental supply in adolescent drinking has recently received attention in the media.

Claims that medical cannabis use has reduced opioid overdose deaths in the United States have been challenged by a University of Queensland drug abuse expert.

Thresholds for safer alcohol use might need lowering, University of Queensland drug and alcohol experts have cautioned.

Researchers are working to understand attitudes towards chronic pain in a project designed to help improve the way we approach pain management treatments.