A series of three papers that would get published today at the British Medical Journal, the Lancet, has revealed that despite having stringent drug policies, Australia and New Zealand are no less than other drug famous countries.

All the three papers raise questions in regard to the effectiveness of control policies of both the countries. It has been found that the use of amphetamines is more in both the countries than anywhere else in the world.

It also got revealed that between 9.3% and 14.8% of 15 to 64 year-olds in both the countries have once tasted stimulants while it is just few percent less than 10.7% in North America and a way high than 5.3% in Europe.

All the three research papers have raised health concerns for people as illicit drugs’ usage in Australia has led to 1.3% deaths. First study’s lead author Louisa Degenhardt, from the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre at the University of NSW, said that the above results not only from her study but also from other two studies have made it clear that Australia and New Zealand need to rethink about their drug policies.

Degenhardt said, "Drug use remains a significant issue for the Australian population, which means more could be done to tackle it. Some of the most promising options are the ones often given the least funding, and that includes some of the harm-reduction interventions”.

Supporting Degenhardt, the second paper’s author, suggested of some alternative drugs that could be used in place of heroin and cannabis. One of the alternate drugs could be methadone. However, third paper author, Robin Room from Melbourne's Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre, blamed it all on 1961’s international treaty.

He said this treaty is restricting both the countries to try newer options to reduce the harm that is being linked with drugs use.