Monica Barratt is an Australian researcher specializing in drug policy, harm reduction, and digital ethnography related to psychoactive drug use. She is currently a Vice-Chancellor's Senior Research Fellow at RMIT University, Melbourne, and serves as Executive Director of Bluelight.org, a global community promoting drug harm reduction. Dr. Barratt's work is known for investigating digital drug trading, novel substances, and the role of technology in facilitating safer drug use practices.[1]

Early career and education

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Dr. Barratt completed her PhD in sociology, focusing on drug use and harm reduction. Her early research examined how people who use drugs engage with digital spaces to access information and build communities around safer drug use practices.[2]

Research interests

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Dr. Barratt's research primarily focuses on drug policy, harm reduction strategies, and the impact of digital environments on drug use. She has studied drug purchasing behaviors on cryptomarkets and has explored the potential of drug checking services in reducing harm at festivals and other public events. Her work extends to examining legislative responses to emerging substances and how public health policies can adapt to these trends.[3]

One of Dr. Barratt's more recent research endeavors involves the intersection of digital drug markets and harm reduction strategies. Through her work with the Digital Ethnography Research Centre at RMIT University, she has developed a keen understanding of how drug markets have shifted to online spaces, particularly cryptomarkets. These online platforms allow users to purchase drugs in relatively anonymous environments, creating new challenges and opportunities for harm reduction.[4]

Harm reduction advocacy

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Dr. Barratt has been a vocal advocate for drug checking services as a practical means of reducing drug-related harm. In several public forums and media appearances, she has emphasized the importance of providing users with real-time data on the contents of substances they consume, such as MDMA (ecstasy). Her work played a crucial role in supporting the CanTEST drug checking initiative in the ACT, and she continues to advocate for similar services in other Australian states, particularly in Victoria.[5][6]

Dr. Barratt has argued that such services are not only about detecting dangerous substances but also about issuing warnings to the public before drugs cause harm. She has noted the success of drug checking in New Zealand and the European Union, where early-warning systems have helped prevent overdoses by identifying high-potency or adulterated substances before they circulate widely.[7]

Roles and affiliations

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Key publications

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Dr. Barratt has authored numerous journal articles and book chapters on drug policy and harm reduction. A few selected publications include:

  • Barratt MJ, Ferris JA, Winstock AR. "Adulteration and substitution of drugs purchased in Australia from cryptomarkets: An analysis of Test4Pay." Drug and Alcohol Review. 2024;43:969-974.[11]
  • Barratt MJ, Ferris JA, Maier LJ, et al. "The relationship between cryptomarket drug purchase, social networks and adverse drug events: A cross-sectional study." International Journal of Drug Policy. 2024;123.[12]

COVID-19 and drug use

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Barratt and her colleagues conducted research examining how the global health crisis affected drug use patterns. Her study, which included data from the Global Drug Survey, revealed changes in drug consumption, including increased use of certain substances as coping mechanisms for stress and isolation.[3]

Additionally, Dr. Barratt examined how the pandemic impacted intimate partner violence (IPV), particularly in contexts where substance use was a factor. This research highlighted the need for targeted harm reduction interventions during times of social crisis.

Recognition

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Dr. Barratt's contributions to drug policy and harm reduction have been recognized internationally. Her work with The Loop Australia and Bluelight.org has been instrumental in promoting safer drug practices and advocating for policy reforms that prioritize public health.[13]

References

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  1. ^ a b RMIT University. "Dr Monica Barratt". RMIT University. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
  2. ^ National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre. "Dr Monica Barratt". National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
  3. ^ a b "Global Drug Survey". Global Drug Survey. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
  4. ^ Digital Ethnography Research Centre. "Dr Monica Barratt". Digital Ethnography Research Centre. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
  5. ^ RMIT University. "Another preventable drug death renews calls for change". RMIT University. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
  6. ^ ACT Health. "CanTEST Health and Drug Checking Service". ACT Health. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
  7. ^ RMIT University. "Another preventable drug death renews calls for change". RMIT University. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
  8. ^ "Bluelight.org". Bluelight. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
  9. ^ Barratt, Monica (2024). "Adulteration and substitution of drugs purchased in Australia from cryptomarkets: An analysis of Test4Pay". Drug and Alcohol Review. 43 (1): 969–974. doi:10.1111/dar.13825.
  10. ^ "Drugs in Digital Society – by Dr. Monica Barratt". monicabarratt.net. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
  11. ^ Barratt, Monica; Ferris, Jason A; Winstock, Adam R (2024). "Adulteration and substitution of drugs purchased in Australia from cryptomarkets: An analysis of Test4Pay". Drug and Alcohol Review. 43 (4): 969–974. doi:10.1111/dar.13825.
  12. ^ Barratt, Monica; Ferris, Jason A; Maier, LJ (2024). "The relationship between cryptomarket drug purchase, social networks and adverse drug events: A cross-sectional study". International Journal of Drug Policy. 123. doi:10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104258. PMID 38056221.
  13. ^ Monica Barratt. "Monica Barratt: Drugs in Digital Society". monicabarratt.net. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
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