First
things
First:
What is it?
Drug checking (also referred to as ‘pill testing’) is a FREE, confidential harm reduction service where anyone can get small amounts of their substances or 'drugs' tested by chemists in a lab to find out what’s in them.
Getting reliable, factual information about what is or isn't in the substances we take allows us to make informed choices.
Services
Victoria has legalised drug checking and this much needed and wanted health service is here for good!
An 18th month “implementation trial” of this particular model of drug checking service, is currently underway and Harm Reduction Victoria one of 3 important partners running it, along with The Loop Australia and YSAS.
In this current model trial, there are two types of services:
Mobile services: aka. ‘pop ups’, will be at festivals and events throughout the state this summer's festival season. We will attend up to 10 festivals and events throughout the trial period.
Fixed-site service: Exactly as it sounds. At a permanent location, that is open regularly to the public.
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Why do we need it?
From the first signs of Australian drug prohibition and the criminalisation of substances, this has resulted in a so called alternative or ''black market' and more players in a game which has no regulation or accountability.
Due to greed and/or political gain or personal agendas, adulterated substances and analogues are showing up more and more regularly.
Now more than ever, drugs are unpredictable. Strength, purity and poisoning are commonplace.
Having a service that let's people find out what is in the substances they are ingesting so they can make informed choices makes sense health wise and financially.
What drugs can be tested?
Most substances in tablet, capsule, powder, crystal or liquid form.
Organic matter like plants, edibles or very diluted substances can NOT be tested.
Is it anonymous?
What about privacy?
Yes.
You don't need to show ID, tell us your name, or answer questions you don’t want to.
