By understanding the experiences of people who inject drugs, HRVic can better advocate and educate health providers and governments on the needs of our community-people who inject drugs.. Stories of Stigma & Discrimination Stories of Stigma and Discrimination is a participatory filmmaking project delivered by filmmaker and communications specialist Conor Ashleigh for Harm Reduction Victoria (HRVic). The initial concept for the project emerged when Harm Reduction Victoria identified the need to understand the experiences of stigma and discrimination among people who inject drugs when accessing health care. By understanding the experiences of people who inject drugs, HRVic can better advocate and educate health providers and governments on the needs of our community-people who inject drugs.. The Films 01. My Veins Are My Domain A phobia of needles isn’t the only reason someone would avoid having their blood taken. Find out about negative impacts that just one bad health experrience can have on the life of a person who injects drugs. Video 1 looks at this issue in detail. 02. Refused Hep C Treatment Imagine being refused treatment just because of the way you look,or because the GP thinks you need something other than what you came to see them for? This is a regular occurance for many people who use drugs. Video 2 looks at this issue in detail. 03. This Town Is Too Small Imagine having to put your life into the hands of someone that you don’t trust? Scary thought isn’t it? This can be an issue for people who inject drugs that is often made worse for people living in regional areas. Video 3 looks at this issue in detail. 04. Not Enough Time Everyone seems to be in a hurry these days including GPs. Getting an appointment only to discover that there’s not enough time to talk about everything you wanted to is frustrating (for both parties) there’s no harm in asking for a longer appointment when you book in. Video 4 highlights this issue. 05. My Daily Serve Being on pharmacotherapy requires you to attend your pharmacy on a regular basis. That doesn’t sound like a big deal but actually doing it proves difficult for a lot of us. Whether once, twice a week or every day, it’s a task that a lot of people end up resenting.Video 5 in this series focusses on these reasons. 01 My Veins Are My Domain Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Stigma and Discrimination Play Video Play Video 01 My Veins Are My Domain Play Video Play Video 02 Refused hep C Treatment Play Video Play Video 03 This Town Is Too Small Play Video Play Video 04 'Not Enough Time'- The HRVic Stigma Project Series Play Video Play Video 05 My Daily Serve Videos Menu WHO CAN USE THIS TRAINING PACKAGE? Training Packages Include: 5 Films, Facilitator Guide & Custom Session by HRVic DOCTORS INCLUDING GPS, ED’S AND SPECIALISTS OTHER HEALTH CARE WORKERS I.E. NURSES, PHARMACISTS, PATHOLOGISTS ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG (AOD) WORKERS If you or your service would like to find out more about the HRVic Stigma Project - Training Package complete the attached form and we will get back to you with more information First Name Company Position Email Type your message here... Submit Thanks for submitting! Behind The Scenes The Stigma Project- Behind The Scenes Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied

Harm Reduction Victoria event listings Event at HRVic International Overdose Awareness Day (AUG 31) On FRIDAY 29th AUGUST, We'd love you to join us to celebrate the lives of our friends and family we've lost with some training, followed by a feed and a movie! Open for everyone to attend, At 4pm we'll be doing Overdose RECOGNITION and RESPONSE Training- including Overdose for Amphetamine type substances and Overdose for Opioids with naloxone administration. Rarely does overdose training include drugs other than opioids but not all overdoses look like someones asleep! How do you recognise an 'uppers' overdose?? COME FIND OUT!! Then at 6pm we'll have a hot, free dinner put on by the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre and cozy up to watch an old cult movie classic- "Smoke 'em if you got 'em!" at 7pm. See you Friday! If you have any questions, call 93291500. YOSHI Remembering one of our own... Stay Up to Date Here HRVic Events International Drug Users Day HRVic Scavenger Hunt and Community Dinner Fri, 07 Nov Brunswick More info Free Event Int. Overdose Awareness Day Event Fri, 29 Aug Brunswick More info Free Event Registrations Closed In Celebration of Yoshi Fri, 01 Aug Welshmans Reef More info Registration Closed Registrations Closed HRVic Support. Dont Punish. TRIVIA NIGHT Thu, 26 June Online and At HRVic Office More info Registration Closed Registrations Closed Celebrating Yoshi Tue, 24 June North Ryde More info Registration Closed Multiple Dates 'Fixed Ideas'- Community Consultation on the Drug Checking Fixed Site service Fri, 28 Feb Brunswick More info Registration Closed Registrations Closed Drug Checking in Victoria - Community Info Sesh Thu, 20 Feb Brunswick More info Registration Closed Sold Out International Drug Users Day 2024- Back in The Day... Fri, 01 Nov Brunswick More info Sold Out Registrations Closed HRVic Community Dinner - Grill n Chill Cookout- 05 July 2024 Fri, 05 July Brunswick More info Registration Closed "CHECK,Please!" - Mon, 25 Mar Zoom More info Free Event Registrations Closed FREE Webcast. Entheo Genesis Australis presents Garden States Webcast - Cubensis Rising: Wed, 24 Jan https://www.youtube.com/live/JTrg1yWiX40?si More info Sold Out SAVE THE DATE: ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2023 Wed, 06 Dec Brunswick More info Free Event International Overdose Awareness Day @ HRVic HQ Thu, 31 Aug Brunswick More info Free Event Registrations Closed ONLINE EVENT: AIVL CONSUMERS FORUM: ALL YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT CHANGES TO OPIOID DEPENDENCE MEDICATIONS ANSWERED Fri, 30 June AIVL CONSUMERS FORUM: ODT FEE CHANGES AUS More info Registration Closed Registrations Closed Support Don't Punish Day | HR23 Post Conference Summary Gathering Mon, 26 June HRVic More info Sold Out Registrations Closed HRVic's Drug Law ReforUm-Put The 'U' In Drug Law Reform! Fri, 14 Oct Coming Soon More info Registration Closed

DXM Dextromethorphan APPEARANCE Sold in syrup, tablet, spray, & lozenge forms. In its pure form, dextromethorphan occurs as a white powder ADMINISTRATION Ingested orally, Inhaled nasally DURATION Total: 4-6 hours DESCRIPTION Dextromethorphan hydrobromide (‘DXM’ or ‘DM’) which, when taken at doses exceeding the recommended therapeutic range, becomes a powerful dissociative drug with psychedelic properties. Part of the morphinan class of substances, DXM has sedative, dissociative, and stimulant properties (at higher doses). Dissociatives are mostly NMDA receptor antagonists, these substances are hallucinogenic but different than psychedelics. As per the name, these substances create a distance between the user and reality. It is also the cough suppressant in many overthe-counter (‘OTC’) cold and cough medicines especially in those with ‘DM’ or ‘Tuss’ in their names. Dextromethorphan has numerous other uses in medicine, ranging from pain relief (as either the primary analgesic, or an opioid potentiator) and psychological applications to the treatment of dependence. DXM is not to be confused with Dextrorphan or Dexamethasone. Sold in syrup, tablet, spray, & lozenge forms. In its pure form, dextromethorphan occurs as a white powder. Examples include Robitussin, NyQuil, Dimetapp, & Vicks. It is IMPORTANT to make sure DXM is the only active ingredient in the preparation. EFFECTS THE FIRST PLATEAU(1.5-2.5mg/kg): mild stimulant effect with a little bit of a buzz, / has been compared to MDA THE SECOND PLATEAU(2.5-7.5mg/kg): more intoxicating, been compared to being drunk & stoned at the same time THE THIRD PLATEAU(7.5-15mg/kg): is dissociative, like a lower dose of ketamine. THE FOURTH PLATEAU(15-20mg/kg): fully dissociative like a higher dose of ketamine. You should AVOID higher plateau doses unless you have someone with you who can take care of you in case you get sick or freak out. It happens on DXM. Many things can happen unexpectedly on upper plateaus, such as spontaneous memory recall, complex delusions, hallucinations, out-of-body experiences, near-death experiences, and perceived contact with spiritual or alien entities. You need a strong foundation of support and experience to navigate this space. *WARNING: Death has occurred in the 25mg/kg range. PHYSICAL • Urinary Retention • Increased Heart Rate • Increased Blood Pressure • Sweating • Itchiness • Lethargy • Slurred Speech • Red/Blotchy Skin Rashes • Hyperactivity • Nystagmus (Rapid Eye Movement) • Difficulty Communicating • Nausea/Dizziness • Allergic-Like Responses EMOTIONAL • Euphoria • Happiness / Mood Lift PSYCHOLOGICAL • Visual / Auditory hallucinations • Dissociation • Reduced or increased anxiety • Introspection • Music enhancement • Confusion • Depression/fatigue • Talkative • Short term memory loss or confusion • Disorientation • Paranoia • Altered time perception It is Not recomendded that you use DXM if you have: Respiratory (breathing) issues, Liver issues, Heart issues. LONG TERM EFFECTS The toxicity and long-term health effects of recreational DXM use in humans has not been studied in any scientific context and the exact toxic dosage is unknown.illness, but it is important to be aware of this possibility. Many chronic users report significant issues with memory, attention, and mood that persist for many months after stopping usage. SAFER USING: Harm Reduction Tips • AVOID using any preparation of DXM that has ANY other active ingredients, as they can make you sick and/or dead. • General rule of thumb for DXM : 1 plateau/week. In other words, If you take a Third Plateau Dose, wait 3 weeks before using again. If you use a Second Plateau dose, wait 2 weeks before using again. • Try to use in comfortable environments with people you trust to look out for you • Watch out what you are mixing DXM with, as mixing with certain drugs can cause serotonin syndrome, or Ataxia, • Some people can’t use DXM due to a genetic mutation in an important enzyme. Do your research.

Harm Reduction Victoria’s PAMS Service unveils a new series of four short videos made for and by people who are considering or are already on methadone or buprenorphine in Victoria. Real People. Real Voices. Real Stories. Harm Reduction Victoria’s PAMS Service unveils a new series of four short videos made for and by people who are considering or are already on methadone or buprenorphine in Victoria. Real People. Real Voices. Real Stories. 20211015 720p INHSU Comm Rapporteur Play Video All Videos

The aim of the Peer Network Program© is to reduce the spread of hepatitis C and other blood borne viruses like HIV and hepatitis B. The plan is to recruit, train and support Peer Networkers© to distribute needles and syringes to their friends and associates as well as providing education about safer drug use and ‘modelling’ safer injecting practices. By increasing access to sterile needles/syringes and passing on important information and education related to reducing the harms of injecting drugs. In Melbourne, we have excellent Needle Syringe Programs (NSPs), but when you look closely at NSP statistics, a number of groups including young people who inject and particularly young women, people from CALD backgrounds and aboriginal injectors are under-represented. These are exactly the groups of people who inject that the Peer Network Program© seek to recruit as ‘peer networkers’. We know that peer education and distribution is already happening – despite the fact that it is technically illegal in Victoria to give a fit* to someone else unless you are authorised to do so. Even the regular stat sheet that you fill out every time you go into an NSP asks how many other people you are picking up for! HRVic believes a change in legislation is long overdue! Once recruited, the peer networkers will attend a comprehensive training program. On completion of training they will be registered as HRVic volunteers and authorised Needle Syringe Program (NSP) Outreach Workers. *fit= outfit ie. syringe/needle

Bloody Serious Facts is the original Hep C workshop developed by people with lived experience of hep C & healthcare professionals specifically designed for AOD workers, nurses, NSP workers, community health staff, students of health professions BLOODY SERIOUS FACTS Online & Face To Face Hepatitis C Training St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne and Harm Reduction Victoria have partnered to provide an interactive workshop on hepatitis C. Learn about prevention, transmission and the latest treatment available. Hear, from lived experience about the impact of living with the virus Bloody Serious Facts is a hands-on workshop that was developed and is run by healthcare professionals and people with lived experience of Hep C. This training is suitable for AOD workers, nurses, NSP workers, community health or anyone who works with people who are affected by hepatitis C. All welcome. The 2.0 hour session covers: Back to Basics of Hep C : Testing, Transmission, Diagnoses and Treatment-Everything you wanted to know about this amazingly resilient but treatable virus. Treatments - Then and Now : Keeping up to date with the direct acting anti virals that are changing people's lives. The Impact & Meaning of Being Hep C + : An insight into living with Hep C and the treatment journey by a person with lived experience. A Practical Exercise : The not so obvious risks of transmission during the mixing up and injecting process. *f2f Training Location: Harm Reduction Victoria 299-305 Victoria St. Brunswick Cost: FREE Places are limited so please register now to secure your spot. Register By Clicking On Link Below 8th APRIL online 10am - 12pm REGISTERAPRIL8 19th MAY f2f* 9:30am - 12:30pm REGISTER MAY19 14th JULY online 10am - 12pm REGISTERJULY14 15th SEPT f2f* 9:30am - 12:30pm REGISTERSEPT15 17th NOV online 10am - 12pm REGISTERNOV17 Please contact janed@hrvic.org.au if you are unsure about your event date or Be sure that you have booked the correct date for you! FAQs Q: What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event? A: For people who need to drive in, there is a small amount of free and paid parking surrounding the HRVic Office however, if you can avoid bringing a car, there is ample public transport options. We are directly across from Brunswick train station and 1 block down from Sydney Rd. trams. Q: Could I get something to prove I have completed the training for my work or personal resume, like a certificate? A: If you or your work require proof of attendance or completion of the training, please ask Jane prior to the date of your training. Q: "My organisation is located in rural Victoria and it's difficult for us to reach the city for the start time or we want to run one of these sessions for more than 10 of our workers at our location, do you do Bloody Serious Facts training on other sites for organisations?" A: Just like we do with our communities, we can work with you where you are at! We can travel to you or offer an online option. Email us for details and enquiries at janed@hrvic.org.au or call (03)9329 1500

Want to join the team at HRVic? Find out how here. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES at HRVic Harm Reduction Peer Worker for Events: Victorian Pill Testing Service Applications close Friday 3rd of October.at midnight. Application: Please submit the following documents to admin@hrvic.org.au by midnight Friday 3rd of October. Cover Letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria Resume of work and/or relevant volunteer experience POSITION VACANT CLOSED POSITION VACANT Fixed Site Operations Lead: Applications close Sunday the 10th of August at midnight. To apply, please submit the following documents to admin@hrvic.org.au : Cover Letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria Resume of work and/or relevant volunteer experience CLOSED 12.03.2025 Position Description: Hepatitis C Peer Outreach Worker (Casual) Part-time: 22.8 hours (0.6 EFT) Fixed term contract SCHADS Level 3 HRVic is seeking expressions of interest from anyone with living or lived experience of injecting drug use, hepatitis C, hepatitis C treatment and the Corrections system. If you think you would suit this role, please email admin@hrvic.org.au with a brief description of your experience and why you are interested in this position. EOIs close on 30 March 2025 CLOSED 29.01.25 Position Description: Project Worker(s), Fuse Initiatives Part-tim e between 0.4 FTE (15.2 hours per week) and 0.8 EFT (30.4 hours per week) Fixed term contract until 30 June 2027 SCHADS Level 4.1 commensurate with experience. CLOSED Position Description: Program Support Officer, DanceWize (Casual) 31.10.2024 (Casual Contract, SCHADS Level 4) Harm Reduction Victoria is seeking a casual employee to support the delivery of Harm Reduction Victoria’s DanceWize Program with emphasis on projects and workplans as agreed upon with the DanceWize Program Coordinator, such as supporting event service delivery, program administration duties, program communications duties, and other supporting duties as directed around delivery of the DanceWize service. CLOSED HRVic is seeking expressions of interest from someone with living or lived experience drug use and knowledge and experience of festival/event work. If you think you would suit this role, please email admin@hrvic.org.au with a brief description of your experience and why you are interested in this role. EOIs close on Sunday, 10 November 2024 at 5pm Position Description: Coordinator, Fuse Initiatives (Fulltime) Harm Reduction Victoria is seeking an experienced Coordinator to join its FUSE Initiatives team. This role will support the Lived and Living Experience Workforce (LLEW) Development Program. Terms: Full-time, 1.0 EFT, 38 hours per week Fixed contract until 30 June 2025 SCHADS Level 5.1 CLOSED Email your CV, cover letter, referees & responses to the Key Selection Criteria to admin@hrvic.org.au If you have any questions about the application, please email admin@hrvic.org.au or call 9329 1500 Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for an interview. Applications Close: Midnight, Sunday, 8 September. 28.02.2024 Position Description: PAMS Servic es Officer (Casual) Harm Reduction Victoria is seeking expressions of interest from qualified individuals to fulfill the position of PAMS Service Officer. Terms: 2 days per week Pay Level: SCHADS Level 4 CLOSED Please email your expression of interest AFTER READING THE ATTTACHED INFO AND SELECTION CRITERIA to admin@hrvic.org.au using the subject line: “PAMS Service Officer – Casual Position” by March 10, 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment and interview. Previous applicants need not apply. Request for Expressions of Interest: Harm Reduction Victoria - DanceWize Coordinator APPLICATIONS CLOSED PAMS Service Officer - Pharmacotherapy Advocacy Mediation and Support 2022 APPLICATIONS CLOSED Fuse Projects- LLE (living/living experience) Educator 2022 APPLICATIONS CLOSED Fuse Projects- LLEW Policy Officer APPLICATIONS CLOSED Health Promotion Officer – Workforce Focus 2022 APPLICATIONS CLOSED Health Promotion Officer – Community Focus 2022 APPLICATIONS CLOSED Organisational Services Support Officer 2022 APPLICATIONS CLOSED EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES ELSEWHERE AIVL : https://aivl.org.au/employment-opportunities Ethical Jobs: www.ethicaljobs.com.au

YOSHI Celebrating Yoshi Tue, 24 June North Ryde Longest serving volunteer on the DanceWize team, extremely valued peer and community member and true contributor to progress in harm reduction policies and initiatives, Yoshi Levitch has passed away at the age of 43. He will be dearly missed, but also celebrated and remembered for his impact. Share Details

💊 We need your voice! Help shape Victoria’s new drug checking service by joining our Service User Reference Group (SURG). Share your experiences, give feedback, and make sure drug checking meets the needs of our community. Encrypted Expression of Interest form here: We’re looking for people with lived experience to help us make drug checking services in Victoria the best they can be. The new 'Victorian Pill Testing Service' is being run by YSAS, The Loop Australia and Harm Reduction Victoria, with support from the Victorian Department of Health. It’s part of an 18-month trial, offering drug checking at events (mobile) and at our fixed site in Brunswick St. We’re forming a Service User Reference Group (SURG) to make sure the service reflects the needs and voices of the community. The group will meet regularly with support from Harm Reduction Victoria staff and community members. What you’ll do in the group: Share your feedback on how drug checking is working so far – at events and at the fixed site Advise on how we can improve the design, feel and overall experience of the service Look at service data and give input into quality improvement Extra opportunities for members: Bring community perspectives into broader conversations about drug checking policy and planning in Victoria Meet and ask questions of the service providers and other key stakeholders Interested? Fill out this encrypted Expression of Interest form by OCTOBER 7th to apply. (EXTENDED DATE!). CLICK ON the above QR CODE on this device OR USE ANOTHER DEVICE to register.

Information on how to access HRVic spokespeople for statements, drug alerts, harm reduction and lived experience comment. MEDIA Giving our community a public voice For all media enquiries please contact: the HRVic office on 03 9329 1500 or Robyn Dwyer (HRVic Board President) PAST MEDIA APPOINTMENTS 01 February 2016 – ‘774 ABC Melbourne’ Bill O” Loughlin speaks with Jon Faine from 774 ABC Melbourne about illicit drug amnesty bins at music festivals. 07 December 2015 – ‘The Guardian’ ‘The National Ice Action plan is a setback to all that has been achieved in Drug Policy” READ INTERVIEW 21 May 2013 Harm Reduction Victoria challenges media response to public injecting report from Burnet Institute READ INTERVIEW 20 February 2013 Harm Reduction Victoria welcomes decision to approve new Hepatitis C treatments for PBS listing READ ARTICLE 23 October 2012 Harm Reduction Victoria calls for reason on methadone treatment READ ARTICLE 19 October 2012 Harm Reduction Victoria rejects coroner’s call for overhaul of methadone in Victoria READ ARTICLE 4 October 2012 Harm Reduction Victoria welcomes AMA’s support for supervised injecting facilities in Melbourne READ ARTICLE

Drugs List DXM Read More 2C-B Read More Nangs Read More GHB Read More ' Poppers ' Read More Nitazenes Read More Cocaine Read More LSD Read More MDMA Read More Heroin Read More

NANGS Nitrous Oxide APPEARANCE Nitrous oxide is a colourless and tasteless gas. ADMINISTRATION Inhaled DURATION Total: from 1-5 minutes EFFECTS • Analgesia (pain relief) • Clumsiness/loss of balance • Buzzing sensation in fingers/toes • Nausea • Sedation • Headaches • Confusion • Dizziness/light headedness • Numbness in ex-tremities with regular use • Reduced vitamin B12 levels Description Nitrous Oxide (N2O) is a colourless gas that is commonly used for sedation and pain relief. It is also used by people to feel intoxicated. When inhaled, it causes rapid analgesia (pain relief), euphoria, mild sedation & psychedelic dissociation. It has been used in dentistry since the mid- 1800s and recreationally since the late 1700s when it earned the name ‘laughing gas’ because of its tendency to cause laughter in those who inhale it. It is also a food additive when used as a propellant for whipped cream and is used in the automotive industry to enhance engine performance. N2O that is prepared for automotive use or any other use than human consumption should not be inhaled, as other dangerous chemicals may have been added to the mix. It is also increasingly being used to treat people withdrawing from alcohol dependence. Nitrous oxide is classified as a dissociative anesthetic and has been found to produce dissociation of the mind from the body (a sense of floating), distorted perceptions and visual and audio hallucinations. Effects PHYSICAL • Analgesia (pain relief) • Clumsiness/loss of balance • Buzzing sensation in fingers/toes • Nausea • Sedation • Headaches • Confusion • Dizziness/light headedness • Numbness in ex-tremities with regular use • Reduced vitamin B12 levels BEHAVIOURAL • Giddiness, laughter, giggling • Euphoria • Exhilaration • Mood lift PSYCHOLOGICAL • Sound distortions • Aural hallucinations • Dream-like state • Minor-strong visual hallucinations and visuals • Reduced perception of external stimuli Proper Disposal of Nitrous Bulbs Nitrous bulbs can be recycled at certain recycling centres. Take HOME with you from festivals and events. You can even make money from recycling them sometimes. Dispose of responsibly.