The Australian Drug Trends 2006 report presents the findings from the fourth year in which data has been collected in all states and territories in Australia on the markets for ecstasy and related drugs. The Ecstasy and Related Drugs Reporting System (EDRS; formerly the Party Drugs Initiative, or PDI) is the most comprehensive and detailed study of ecstasy and related drug markets in Australia. Using a similar methodology to the Illicit Drug Reporting System (IDRS), the EDRS monitors the price, purity and availability of ecstasy (MDMA) and other drugs such as methamphetamine, cocaine, GHB, LSD, MDA and ketamine. It also examines trends in the use and harms of these drugs. It utilizes data from three sources: a) surveys with regular ecstasy users (REU); b) surveys with key experts (KE) who have contact with regular ecstasy users through the nature of their work; and c) the analysis of existing data sources that contain information on ecstasy and related drugs. The EDRS is designed to be sensitive to emerging trends, providing data in a timely manner, rather than describing issues in extensive detail. It is important to note that the results from the REU surveys are not representative of ecstasy users and their other drug use in the general population, but this is not the aim of these data. These data are intended to provide evidence that is indicative of emerging issues that warrant further monitoring. REU are a sentinel group of REU that provide information on patterns of drug use and market trends. The findings from each year not only provide a snapshot of the ecstasy and related drug market in Australia, but in total they help to provide an evidence base for policy decisions; for helping inform harm reduction messages; and to provide directions for further investigation when issues of concern are detected. Continued monitoring of the ecstasy and related drug markets in Australia will help add to our understand of the use of these drugs; the price, purity and availability of these drugs and how these may impact on each other; and the associated harms which may stem from the use of these drugs. (Extract of the publication)