Table 3 Thematic analysis

Illicit drug use and harms are diverse and distinct

Patterns of use and harms

High levels of illicit drug use and harms across the Northern Territory despite variable supply and availability across a broad spectrum of illicit drugs

Binge and problematic illicit drug use patterns observed around major events, local events, and cultural events/ceremony

Introduction of novel substances linked to population movement into the Northern Territory

Illicit drugs of concern

Cannabis (‘Gunja’)

Crystal methamphetamine (‘Ice’)

Volatile substances and non-beverage alcohol

Client support needs are complex and influenced by co-morbidities, socio-demographic and cultural factors

Supporting a population with complex needs within the constraints of illicit drug services

Navigating social, demographic and cultural determinants of illicit drug use and harms

Managing mental health conditions co-occurring with illicit drug use and harms

De-stigmatising illicit drug use and harms

Addressing poly-drug use

Priority population sub-groups

Equity and access challenges associated elevated by social, demographic and cultural factors

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities

Young people

Transient and/or homeless (“long-grassers” and “river people”)

Those living in rural and remote areas

Socio-economically disadvantaged

Those impacted by the criminalisation of illicit drug use

Local service strengths can be further developed and enhanced

Strong investment in residential rehabilitation, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led, peer and lived experience-led models of care

Strong investment in residential rehabilitation

Culturally appropriate care led by the Aboriginal community controlled sector

Innovative models of care underpinned by peer and lived experience approaches

Local services need better resourcing

Better resourcing, particularly for increased preventative health efforts, harm reduction, and wrap-around support for clients

Better resourcing of the preventative efforts to minimise illicit drug use and harms

Expansion of residential rehabilitation focusing on illicit drug treatment and aftercare

Scaling up and further investment in outreach services

Better resourcing to address social and cultural determinants of illicit drug use and harms

Further resourcing for targeted support of priority populations

Greater care innovation, integration, collaboration and service coordination

Explore opportunities for greater specialist input

Increase resources and the availability of psychological support and trauma-informed counselling

Greater clarity in definitions of the dual diagnosis of mental health disorders and drug use disorders

Greater integration between alcohol and other drugs services and mental health services

Greater collaboration, de-fragmentation and coordination of services

Increasing capacity for quality and accessible therapeutic responses

Opportunity to increase therapeutic responses to illicit drug use, particularly in the prison system

Strengthen workforce capacity and capabilities

Attracting and retaining skilled illicit drugs workforce

Developing workforce skills and capabilities

Expanding workforce size

Increasing workforce effectiveness

Invest in progressive legislative and policy reforms

Decriminalising illicit drug use and prioritising a public health/harm reduction approach

Focusing on policy and legislation that prioritises illicit drug harm reduction

Decriminalising equipment that reduces harms associated with drug use

Strategic investments and policy development

Development of Northern Territory illicit drug strategy

Advancement of illicit drug-related evidence base in the Northern Territory

Development of locally relevant evidence-based practice guidelines

Improve routine monitoring and evaluation

Monitoring and evaluation of illicit drug use, prevalence and impacts

Scale up and enhance routine data collection, monitoring, evaluation and research strategies

Leverage existing structures and stakeholders to advance processes and knowledge creation