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Last Updated 19 March 2021

COVID-19

There is a lot of information about this virus and we are gaining a better understanding of the risks and how to mitigate them. We suggest you minimise the sources of information to help you keep a clear view of the situation, the Commonwealth and State Government websites are solid places to start.

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Harm minimisation

As always we know practising harm minimisation e.g. using sterile equipment, managing dose etc. reduces the associated risks for people who use drugs and drink alcohol. With the increased risks presented by COVID-19 (it greatly affects respiratory function) it is additionally important that you continue to look after yourself.

Early during the pandemic, we asked an expert to share some tips for harm minimisation, if you haven’t already take a look at some clear, simple advice for aimed at people who use substances.

Read more

You can find useful tips and advice from local harm minimisation services below:

Self-isolation, restricted activity and staying at home

As community transmission increases in places, many people are again moving to self-isolation or lockdown, either as a legal obligation or personal choice. 

The range of restricted activities, numbers at gatherings and distances we can travel are decreasing. As the restrictions are changing it is particularly important that you follow the most up-to-date information for your state:

We know that the more severe restrictions, such as total lockdown, may cause fear and distress even for those who are not directly affected by them. If you’re experiencing anxiety about your living situation, your neighbourhood, or even what you see on the news, it’s valuable to reach out and have a chat to us about your feelings. 

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Withdrawal or detox

For people who regularly use (or are trying not to use) alcohol and other drugs, this prolonged isolation will present unique challenges.

People who use substances may find that they experience symptoms of withdrawal if they stop suddenly. Withdrawal can be dangerous, if you are concerned about you or someone else, contact your GP or chat to one of our counsellors.

Here are some resources to help you learn more:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are some external sites that also have helpful information:

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Overdose

We know during times of great stress and upheaval drug use can increase, this means the risk of overdose can also increase, particularly with social distancing measures in place that mean you may be alone. We are also aware for some people the pandemic reduced accessibility and drug use, which means they if they return to previous levels of use they too are at risk of harm and overdose. Take care of yourself and those close to you, if you are in a situation where someone is overdosing, try to remain calm, call 000 – emergency services are there to help.

General

Heroin and other opioids

Heroin and other opioids are responsible for more than half of the fatal overdoses in Australia each year. The majority of these overdoses are unintentional. Learn about the symptoms to watch out for.

Naloxone is an opioid-inhibitor that is frequently used to reverse overdoses, and is becoming more widely available throughout Australia. It’s a good idea to arrange to get some naloxone now, just to have on hand.

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Helplines

  • 1800Respect offers support related to sexual assault, family or intimate partner violence.
  • SANE Australia offers counselling and support for people experiencing or caring for mental illness.
  • Suicide Callback Service also offers 24-hour telephone and online counselling for people concerned about suicide.
  • Lifeline 13 11 14 offers 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention counselling.
  • Gambling Help Online offers 24-hour telephone and online counselling for people who are affected by gambling.
  • National Debt Helpline is a telephone line available Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:30pm to discuss any problems related to debt.
  • Headspace offer an online and telephone counselling service for young people 12–25 who are concerned about mental health issues.
  • Kids Helpline is a free helpline for young people 5–25 to confidentially discuss any problem.
  • QLife offers a free counselling and referral service for LGBTQIA+ people experiencing any issue that may affect their health and wellbeing. Available 3:00pm to 12:00am.
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