Smoking in Australia
In 2017-18, just under one in seven (13.8%) or 2.6 million adults were daily smokers, whilst a further 1.4% of people also reported smoking on a less than daily basis. Since 1995, the proportion of adults who are daily smokers has decreased from 23.8% to 13.8% in 2017-18. Over recent years however, the daily smoking rate has remained fairly constant (14.5% in 2014-15). Despite this, the proportion of adults who have never smoked has increased from 49.4% in 2007-08 to 52.6% in 2014-15 and 55.7% in 2017-18. In 2017-18, young adults aged 18-24 years were more likely to have never smoked than any other age group, with 69.6% of men and 81.5% of women in this age group reporting that they had never smoked. These proportions have increased from 64.0% and 64.9% respectively since 2007-08. The national Health Survey was conducted in all states and territories and across urban, rural and remote areas of Australia in 2017/18. The survey included around 21,000 people in over 16,000 private dwellings. Previous surveys have been conducted since 1989/90.
Read articles from Australia
September 26, 2024 by colinmendelsohn.com.au
Why Tasmanian dentists need to brush up on vaping
Dr. Colin Mendelsohn points out inaccuracies in the ADA Tasmania's stance on vaping, highlighting vaping's effectiveness in smoking cessation compared to nicotine replacement therapy. He emphasizes that harmful substances in e-cigarettes are minimal and below safety limits. Mendelsohn disputes claims of vaping increasing health risks and youth smoking rates, advocating for an adult consumer model over the current prescription-only system to reduce the black market and provide safer access for adult smokers. His 40 years of experience in smoking cessation inform his recommendation for a regulated, accessible vaping system.
September 26, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu
Retailers selling illegal vapes in Australia to face huge fines and jail terms
Australia enforces tough penalties for illegal vape sales, with fines and jail terms for offenders. The nationwide ban on non-pharmacy vape sales has not curbed the black market availability, leading to warnings of prosecutions from Health Minister Mark Butler. The government's initial stricter ban was diluted to allow vape sales in pharmacies under certain conditions. Despite some success in shutting down vape stores, illegal markets persist, prompting calls for a more robust enforcement strategy, involving police and border forces. Shadow Health Minister Anne Ruston criticizes the government for failing to protect youth from the dangers of vaping. Despite challenges, efforts to control illegal vapes are ongoing, including seizures at the border.
September 25, 2024 by medicalrepublic.com.au
Vapes sold in chemists from next week
From October 1, vapes will be sold over the counter in Australian pharmacies to adults, and to those under 18 with a prescription, in line with new vaping laws. While critics argue this could increase vaping access, proponents emphasize the importance of restricting sales to adults using vapes for smoking cessation. Concerns about potential health risks and impact on youth addiction have been raised by experts, with the Pharmacy Guild opposing the change. The debate includes discussions on how pharmacies will manage counseling and age verification.
September 25, 2024 by medicalrepublic.com.au
Vapes sold in chemists from next week
From October 1, vapes will be sold over the counter in Australian pharmacies to adults, and to those under 18 with a prescription, in line with new vaping laws. While critics argue this could increase vaping access, proponents emphasize the importance of restricting sales to adults using vapes for smoking cessation. Concerns about potential health risks and impact on youth addiction have been raised by experts, with the Pharmacy Guild opposing the change. The debate includes discussions on how pharmacies will manage counseling and age verification.
September 23, 2024 by theguardian.com
Australian demand for overdose drug naloxone more than doubles after spike in synthetic opioid deaths
Demand for naloxone has doubled due to a rise in synthetic opioids being mixed with other drugs, increasing deaths. The Take Home Naloxone program in Australia distributed 243,248 units in 2023-2024. Users of cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA are urged to carry naloxone after several overdose incidents. Stimulant drug users are now a significant driver in the need for naloxone. The NSW Users and Aids Association saw a triple increase in naloxone orders post-health alert. Pharmacists warn of possible shortages due to high demand. Despite stigma, anyone can carry naloxone as overdoses can happen to anyone. A young adult emphasized the importance of carrying naloxone to save lives.
September 19, 2024 by gfn.tv
DOOMED TO FAIL | Colin Mendelsohn explains Australia's new vape regulations
New legislation in Australia means that vapes can only be bought in pharmacies, with e-liquid only available in three flavours. What are the likely consequences of this, in a country where the black market for vaping products is already booming?
September 18, 2024 by colinmendelsohn.com.au
The AMA’s dangerous misinformation campaign on vaping continues
The AMA's Tasmanian branch criticized vaping inaccurately, denying its effectiveness in smoking cessation despite strong evidence. Dismissing vaping as a safer alternative and linking it to tobacco companies misleads the public. Claims of vaping causing lung injury and being a gateway to smoking are unfounded. Stricter vaping regulations may fuel illicit trade. GPs' support for vaping varies, leaving many smokers without guidance. The AMA's stance overlooks scientific evidence and harm reduction potential of vaping, hindering public health. Acknowledging vaping's benefits is crucial for reducing smoking harm effectively.
September 17, 2024 by ama.com.au
Vaping's dangerous myth
Vaping is marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, but studies show it can lead to cigarette use, especially in youth. While some use vaping to quit smoking, evidence on its long-term effectiveness is weak. Nicotine replacement therapies and behavioral support remain more reliable quitting tools. Restricting vape access aims to prevent addiction and protect public health, despite claims of limiting personal freedom. Tasmania's reforms aim to supervise vape use for cessation under doctors' care, combatting potential health risks and illicit markets. These actions prioritize public health over personal choice, recognizing the dangers of unregulated vaping, unlike established tobacco products.
September 16, 2024 by astorlegal.com.au
New Vaping Laws Australia
New vaping laws coming into effect on October aim to regulate the supply and manufacture of vapes. Disposable vapes, including those with nicotine, will be banned in Australia from January 2024. Importing all vaping products will require a license, with strict penalties for offenses. Vaping is not illegal but restricted in smoke-free areas. The enforcement of these laws has faced criticism, with limited successful prosecutions for illegal vape sales in NSW. Non-pharmacy retailers will be prohibited from selling vapes under the new legislation. Therapeutic vapes will be available in pharmacies without a prescription from July 2024. Penalties for importing vapes illegally can reach up to $275,000.
September 13, 2024 by colinmendelsohn.com.au
Another day, another alarmist and misleading gateway study
Australian researchers released a study claiming a link between vaping and smoking initiation in young people. However, the study's findings lack evidence of causation and ignore important risk factors. Contrary to the study's claims, youth smoking rates have decreased with the rise of vaping. Other studies with more comprehensive risk factor analysis have shown no direct link between vaping and smoking. The study's definition of "smokers" is misleading, as most youth who try smoking do not develop a regular habit. The study's alarmist conclusions may lead to harmful vaping regulations. Evidence-based policies are crucial to address youth smoking accurately.