Time for Change Survey and Report

4 Family Drug Support (FDS) FDS extends its gratitude to all members, families and friends who generously contributed their time and effort to participate in this survey. It is a shared perspective among both staff and members of FDS that family-focused drug and alcohol support and education are often deprioritised by governments, with more emphasis placed on services aimed directly at individuals who use drugs. FDS believes that by strengthening the support systems of individuals, such as their immediate family, chosen family, or close networks, more positive outcomes can be achieved — ultimately benefiting the recovery goals of the affected family member. Without the valuable insights derived from lived experience in this area, families and carers may face challenges in ensuring their perspectives are represented in public discussions, both locally and nationally, on this critical issue. Thank you again for your involvement. Harm Reduction Australia (HRA) HRA would like to take this opportunity to thank our members, advocates and supporters for contributing to this important bi-annual survey and report on drug policy issues in Australia. HRA has a diverse membership including those working in the Alcohol & Other Drugs (AOD) sector, parliamentarians, government employees, those working in allied health, social & legal services, people who use drugs, interested family members, young people and other individuals wanting to advocate for the continuation and expansion of harm reduction and drug policy reform in Australia. HRA is committed to reducing the health, social and economic harms potentially associated with drug use and drug policies. The Board and members of HRA are people who understand the complexities of drug use and are advocating for the safest, most effective ways to protect the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities. As an organisation, we aim to ensure that drug policies in Australia first and foremost do no harm and provide real benefit to Australian society through evidence-based and humane responses to drug use. HRA takes a non-judgmental approach to drug use within society and is dedicated to ensuring that Australia has drug policies and laws that are just, effective and humane. Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) Australia SSDP Australia sincerely thanks everyone who took the time to share their perspectives in our advocacy survey. We deeply appreciate your support and contribution, and your responses help us to better represent diverse community perspectives when advocating for reforms that prioritise evidence, compassion, and human rights. Young people are disproportionately impacted by current drug policies and are the most likely age group to use drugs, yet we are systemically excluded from decision-making. Young people who use drugs also face challenges overcoming stigma and discrimination in accessing health, education, and platforms for advocacy. As the country’s only national youth - and student-led drug advocacy organisation, SSDP Australia seeks to empower and represent young people to bring change to drug policy. By empowering the collective capacity of students and young people to keep themselves safe and advocate for change, we hope to improve the lives of young people and shift political, policy, and community perspectives. Suggested Citation: Stronach O, Farah B, Span C, Madden A & Webb P (2025) Solutions Not Stigma: Community Voices on Drug Reform. Findings from the 2024 Drug Policy Survey. Family Drug Support Australia, Harm Reduction Australia & Students for Sensible Drug Policy Australia.