GHB-related deaths have increased 10-fold since 2013, while the number of hospitalisations more than tripled, according to an Australian-first study from the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) at UNSW Sydney.

While rates of GHB use are relatively low compared to other illicit drugs such as MDMA, cocaine and methamphetamine, the proportion of Australians reportedly using GHB is rising.

Generation Next are providing a free series of their recorded webinars available to watch online. The webinars are designed to support staff in education settings, but have broad application for those working with children and young people. Webinars are around 30 mins each and include a number of interesting topics such as autism, social media age restrictions, and building resilience through utilising learning strengths.

Penington Institute’s Annual Review 2025 demonstrating yet another year of impact in a challenging policy and funding environment in Australia and internationally. 

New data released this week shows alcohol and gambling companies and their lobby groups donated millions of dollars to Australian political parties around last year’s Federal election, prompting renewed calls from the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) and Alliance for Gambling Reform (AGR) to end political donations from these harmful industries.  

The Next Gen Nurse Practitioners Conference will return to Sydney in June 2026. This purpose-built, practice-focused event is designed for AOD Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Practitioner candidates and students, advanced practice nurses, and clinicians seeking to enter, establish or build on their practice within the AOD specialty.

Build and strengthen your practice with ASHM’s education library, offering a wide range of training on HIV, blood-borne viruses, and sexual and reproductive health.

This Pennington Institute webinar explores rising GHB harms, stimulant co-use risks, intoxication and withdrawal in clubbing and chemsex settings internationally.

The Next Gen Nurse Practitioners (NGNP) Conference returns in 2026 with a boutique, highly specialised two-day program designed exclusively for Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Nurse Practitioners, Advanced Practice Nurses, and clinicians working within the increasingly complex world of substance use, dependence, and comorbid health concerns.

Receiving the 2025 Colleen Blums Award from Next Gen Nurse Practitioners was a deeply meaningful moment for Nomusa Napier, not only as recognition of her work in Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) nursing, but as affirmation of a career dedicated to leadership, advocacy and compassionate care.

Stay ahead in your field with the Insight Training Calendar — your go-to schedule for high-quality, evidence-based professional development in alcohol and other drug (AOD), mental health and related practice areas. Insight is a Queensland Health initiative delivered by Metro North Mental Health – Alcohol and Drug Service, offering a comprehensive suite of free and accessible training for Queensland-based workers.

As 2025 draws to a close, we would like to extend our warmest Christmas greetings to all our Nurse Practitioners, advanced practice nurses, colleagues, partners, and generous sponsors who continue to support and strengthen the Next Gen NP community.

Multiple high dose MDMA (ecstasy) tablets circulating in NSW.

TGA released guidance outlining pharmacists’ responsibilities when supplying therapeutic vapes, ensuring products are TGA-listed and comply with all regulatory requirements.

This special day was brought to you by Next Gen Nurse Practitioners. With expertise spanning nursing, senior management, and nurse practitioner leadership, our team is dedicated to preparing Nurse Practitioners to excel in the assessment and management of patients with substance use disorders.