CHANGING LANES Deciding to go onto pharmacotherapy- whether it's methadone, suboxone or the new long acting buprenorphine injection- is no small decision. Our PAMS program has put this series of 4 videos together- covering every aspect of pharmacotherapy- from the real voices of real pharmacotherapy consumers to you to assist you in making that decision. Changing Lanes Changing Lanes Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Search videos Search video... Now Playing 20211015 720p INHSU Comm Rapporteur 08:07 Play Video Now Playing E01 Deciding To Go On Treatment 04:59 Play Video Now Playing E02 Accessing Treatment 05:31 Play Video

Vaccine Locations With all of the Covid confusion, regardless of where it's come from, you'd be forgiven for not knowing how to go about getting the Covid vax if you choose to. We know that there are people in our community who do choose to be vaccinated and may be having trouble doing so- whether it's trouble with finding a clinic close to them or having trouble booking to get it done because of not having ID or a medicare card, or frustrating wait times etc, HRVic have decided to make sure that anyone in our community who chooses to partake- will not miss out. We absolutely respect our community's autonomy ( the right to self govern) around their health and respect your choice whatever it may be. We do however, want to ensure that this isn't another reason for society to leave us out in the cold. Already, the stigma and discrimination around someone who takes substances exists in spades and we don't need something else to move us to or keep us in 'the back of the line' in life. There are already many venues and businesses that have decided that people can not enter or partake without being vaccinated. The Basics: Everyone in Australia aged 12 and over can receive a COVID-19 vaccination If they choose. The Covid vaccines are FREE . You are allowed to travel more than 15km from home to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. View more information about current restrictions . There are a a few different types of vaccination clinics: Commonwealth Vaccination Clinics State (and Territory) Vaccination Centres General Practices (GPs) Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Services Community Pharmacies Hospital Immunisation Hubs Outreach Services and 'Pop Up' clinics Aged care in-reach Reserved appointments are available for people accessing alcohol and drug services to get vaccinated at state vaccination centres. Appointments for ALL areas are only available by calling (freecall) 1800 675 398. We have compiled a list of clinics and services who are offering the vaccines. Click on the area name that you want to find a clinic in to see locations in that area. NEW Pop Up and Walk In Vaccine Clinics List A 'Pop Up' vaccine clinic is a non permanent location where you can get your jab between certain dates. You may still need to book. Please check with individual locations to avoid disappointment. A 'Walk In' vaccination clinic is a clinic where you don't need to book. The Victorian Government is bringing the vaccines to areas that need them most, by launching a massive community pop-up vaccination program targeting 100 priority postcodes across the state. HRVic will continue to post UPDATED lists in PDF form so you can print them out, for you as they arise so nobody has to miss out. POP UP VACCINE CENTRES WALK IN VACCINE CENTRES INNER CITY The Inner City covers North Melbourne, Carlton, Collingwood, Richmond, East Melbourne, West Melbourne and South Melbourne. BAYSIDE The Bayside areas covers Albert Park to Mordialloc to Clayton, Malvern to Toorak. INNER EAST & EAST The Inner East and East areas cover all suburbs from Kew to Chirnside Park, out to Eltham to Warburton and back to Ferntree Gully and back to Caulfield. WEST & SOUTH WEST The West & South West areas covers Williamstown to Wyndham Vale and Eynesbury to Caroline Springs back to Footscray. NORTHERN SUBURBS The Northern Suburbs area covers Maribyrnong & Essendon to Taylors Lakes & Tullamarine up to Craigieburn to Bundoora and back to Reservoir, Thornbury and Northcote. SOUTH EAST & MORNINGTON PENINSULA The huge South East area covers from Dandenong to Warneet to Druin to Narre Warren and back to Emerald. REGIONAL VICTORIA Regional Victoria covers everywhere else- from Geelong to Ballarat to Bendigo to Gippsland to the mountains. CAN'T FIND A CLINIC IN YOUR AREA? TRY THESE OTHER RESOURCES Victorian Government Covid Vaccination Centre website TAKE ME THERE Australian Government Covid Vaccine Clinic Finder website TAKE ME THERE

HRVic's PAMS phone service provides info around & help with methadone or suboxone or Subutex programs in Victoria Top of Page FOR PEOPLE ON OR STARTING PHARMACOTHERAPY (METHADONE (liquid), SUBOXONE (bupe/naloxone), SUBUTEX(bupe), or BUVIDAL, SUBLOCADE (long acting bupe injections) HRVic's PAMS service has access to the latest pharmacotherapy information. ALREADY ON TREATMENT? How PAMS can help you: CHOOSE ONE I AM CURRENTLY TAKING PHARMACOTHERAPY (methadone / bupe / suboxone / long acting injectable bupe) NOT ON TREATMENT YET? I AM THINKING ABOUT STARTING or I WANT TO START TAKING PHARMACOTHERAPY FAQs Frequently Asked Questions We strongly encourage you to call us PH: 1800 443 844 so that we can make sure we thoroughly understand your situation. Scroll over the questions to reveal their answers CURRENTLY NOT AVAILABLE ON PHONES What is Suboxone? Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine with naloxone. Suboxone comes in the form of a tablet and a dissolvable film that is placed under the tongue. What is buprenorphine? Buprenorphine is a synthetic opioid that produces weaker euphoric effects than say, heroin or methadone but it reduces or eliminates your symptoms. What is methadone? Methadone a powerful synthetic analgesic drug which is similar to morphine in its effects but less sedative and is used as a substitute drug in the treatment of morphine and heroin dependence. How many methadone take away doses (TADs) can I get? Usually 4, but COVID 19 has had a positive effect on take aways giving most clients up to 6 TADs a week. Personal Shoppers I've been told I can't be dosed at my pharmacy anymore. Are they allowed to do this? Yes. Pharmacies are private businesses. They do not have to provide a service to anybody, regardless if the person is on a pharmacotherapy program. Easy Returns My pharmacist refuses to dose me unless I have the money to pay for it? Is this legal? What can I do? Yes. Your pharmacist doesn't have to dose anyone who can't pay for it. If you need help with this, please call PAMS and we can try to work out a payment plan for you. Easy Returns My doctor has told me that I have to find another prescriber. Don't they need to find me a new one if they can't prescribe? Generally, if a GP bans a client from their practice- and YES they CAN DO THAT- they will make sure the person has a script to cover them for at least a week. Finding a new prescriber can be hard, contact PAMS as soon as you know you need a new GP and we can try to help. Easy Returns I have to go to court tomorrow and I will need another take away dose, Can my pharmacist just give me one extra? If you have used your prescribed take aways for the week, you will need to get your prescriber to add another T/A dose for this week. Make sure you ask BEFORE your court date. Some GPs will do this over the phone to the pharmacist-some won't. Easy Returns I have missed two doses this week. My script says I can have 4 take aways per week but my pharmacist is now refusing to give me any , What can I do? It is best to talk with your doctor about this. If you need help with this, please call PAMS and we can try to advocate for you. Some things to consider before going on 'the program'. The decision to start pharmacotherapy is often made in a state of crisis- in a rush, with little thought given to the long term consequences. Ask yourself a few things before taking the leap – particularly if you have not been on a pharmacotherapy program before. Is this your decision or do you feel pressured by others? Is there threat of incarceration or the removal of children? Is the program part of your parole or CBO conditions? If it’s not your decision, this may influence your chances of success. Is this the best treatment option for you at this point in your life? Why? Do you know about the different pharmacotherapy options ie. Methadone or Suboxone or long acting bupe injection? Do you know which is likely to suit you best and why? Are you aware of the alternatives to pharmacotherapy such as a detox program either at home or as part of a residential program? If you have tried the alternatives and they did not work, Why? Are you prepared to make a long term commitment? Pharmacotherapy usually works best as a long-term commitment. How long do you expect your pharmacotherapy program to last? Do you have to travel for work or regularly? It is still possible to travel (almost anywhere) when on a program, but it does mean you need to organise things in advance. Do you know about the different pharmacotherapy options ie. Methadone or Suboxone or long acting bupe injection? Do you know which is likely to suit you best and why? Are you aware of the commitments involved like visiting a GP at least monthly and a pharmacy every day (in the first few months)? Can you afford the dispensing fee (approx. $7.30 per 28 day prescription(w/ Health Care card) or $30(without)? Could you get to a pharmacy every day if it was required by your prescriber? Will picking up your daily dose interfere with your employment, family commitments, study etc? Are there service providers (doctor & pharmacist) near where you live and do they have vacancies ? Unfortunately, NOT ALL GPs will prescribe pharmacotherapy. This can be a particular problem if you live in a regional/rural area. Are you involved in any other type of drug treatment at present? (for example individual counselling) Have you spoken to others on a program? Although everybody’s experience is different, it can be extremely helpful to talk to your peers and ask them how the program works for them. Do you feel well informed? If the answer is yes, and you have decided to embark on a pharmacotherapy program, it is time to act.

Victoria Safe Injecting Room decision commended by affected communities Harm Reduction Victoria commends the Victorian Government for committing to a second safe injecting facility in Melbourne and extending the trial of the North Richmond injecting room. As a peer organisation comprised of people with lived experience of drug use, we congratulate the Premier, Daniel Andrews and his government Ministers for their commitment to inclusivity in Victoria and their support and compassion for people on the margins, including people who inject drugs and all of those affected by overdose. Sione Crawford, Harm Reduction Victoria CEO says, “We know that fatal drug overdose takes too many lives in Victoria. The new injecting facility in central Melbourne will save lives, just as the North Richmond's Medically Supervised Injecting Room has succeeded in doing, for the past two years.” “Harm Reduction Victoria will continue to partner with North Richmond Community Health to facilitate peer and consumer engagement in supporting the MSIR and looks forward to continuing its partnerships with all stakeholders to help make the new facility the best it can be for the community that will use it.” End For further comment or information please contact Harm Reduction Victoria on 03 9329 1500. About Harm Reduction Victoria: We are a consumer and peer organisation comprised of people with a lived experience of injecting and illicit drug use. We are committed to the principles of harm reduction which are built upon respect and tolerance for all people in our community. Nothing about us without us. See the Announcement here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=769822453760567

Inner East and East The Inner East and East areas cover all suburbs from Kew to Chirnside Park, out to Eltham to Warburton and back to Ferntree Gully and back to Caulfield. This list consists of the clinic names and their locations. If you click on their address you will open the google maps page for that location. To book at any of these locations, you will still need to call 1800 675 398 or through the online booking system (you need an email address to sign up) unless it states otherwise. EACH (Eastern Access Community Health) 47 Patterson Street, Ringwood East EACH (Eastern Access Community Health) & Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place to host pop-up COVID Vaccination Clinics for members of Indigenous communities in the outer east of Melbourne. Note: only the Pfizer vaccine is available Clinic dates: Thursday 14th October (1st dose) and Thursday 11th November 2021 (2nd dose) 10AM to 4PM at 47 Patterson Street, Ringwood East By appointment only Register at https://forms.gle/AVGnzvj9UFotzeaQ9 Free taxi services are available, please call the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 COMING SOON Stay tuned for more locations. COMING SOON Stay tuned for more locations. COMING SOON Stay tuned for more locations. COMING SOON Stay tuned for more locations. COMING SOON Stay tuned for more locations. FIND A PHARMACY INNER EAST & EAST

Fixed Site service Info Victoria’s free drug checking service is now open at 95 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. Hours are: Thursdays 10am - 4pm Fridays 1pm - 7pm Saturdays 1pm - 7pm Victoria's new fixed site for drug checking (aka. pill testing) has opened at 95 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. The service will be able to provide health and safety information about drug use by peer harm reduction and health workers. Following the successful launch of a mobile drug checking service at five music festivals from December 2024 to April 2025. This looks to continue for the 2026-27 festival season. The Victorian Pill Testing Service is a free and confidential se rvice that analyses your drugs and tells you what’s in them. We provide accurate information and non-judgmental health and harm reduction advice to help you make safer decisions about drug use. Funded by: How it works Everyone is welcome to use this service. When you arrive, you’ll provide a small sample of your substance for testing. While waiting for results you can chat with peers or health workers about harm reduction, have a cuppa or just hang out and watch the chemists at work. When the chemist has completed the tests, you’ll get your results in a private consultation room where a peer harm reduction worker will explain what was found and if needed, provide health and safety advice. Important to remember No identifying information is collected during ANY of the process. You can’t be arrested or charged for using the service. However, protections ONLY apply WITHIN the service area, so please ONLY BRING A VERY SMALL sample (less than a traffickable amount). If you are unsure what that is, see below. We can test most substances in pill/tablet form, powders, capsules, crystals and liquids. We can’t test plant material, highly diluted substances, or edibles. The Law Use Trafficking Possession The trafficable quantities are: • amphetamine: 3 grams • cannabis: 250 grams or 10 plants • cocaine: 3 grams • GHB: 50 grams • heroin: 3 grams • ketamine: 3 grams • MDMA (ecstasy): 3 grams • methylamphetamine (ice) : 3 grams These quantities include the drug plus any ‘cutters’. These trafficable quantities can change if the law changes. If you have less than a trafficable quantity of a drug, the police could still charge you with possession, or with trafficking if it looks like you were selling it. ie. in separate baggies etc. _________________ * 'Drugs ,the Law and Safer Substance Use' resource by Victoria Legal Aid Drugs & The Law resource Possession The police can charge you with possession (outside the pill testing service) if you have a drug: • on your body • in your house • in a car that you own or are driving. Possession of prescription drugs like methadone, steroids or benzodiazepines is okay if you have a prescription. The prescription must be up-to-date and made out to you. It is legal in Victoria to possess new or used syringes. Try not to carry drugs on you when you are carrying syringes. ________________ * 'Drugs ,the Law and Safer Substance Use' resource by Victoria Legal Aid Drugs & The Law resource Using Drugs The police can charge you if they see you using or you admit to using: • an illegal drug, or • a drug you do not have a prescription for. Use includes smoking, inhaling fumes, injecting, swallowing, or consuming a drug in other ways. If you admit to injecting someone else with a drug, the police can charge you with ‘introducing a drug into the body of another person’. If that person dies, you may be charged with a serious criminal offence. _________________ * 'Drugs, the Law and Safer Substance Use' resource by Victoria Legal Aid Drugs & The Law resource Contact Us Address 95 Brunswick Street Fitzroy Contact Phone: 1 800 762 844 Email: info@vicpilltesting.org.au Website: www.vicpilltesting.org.au Opening Hours Thurs. 10am-4pm Fri. 1pm-7pm Sat. 1pm-7pm Sunday to Wednesday CLOSED Like, Follow & Comment

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.

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

Information about differents drugs. Substance education. Names, chemical make-up, effects, administration, harm reduction suggestions. More info available in our substance specific brochures. Substances Information DRUGS LIST DXM MORE 2C-B MORE Nangs MORE GHB MORE ' Poppers ' MORE Nitazenes MORE Cocaine MORE LSD MORE MDMA MORE Heroin MORE In Progress.

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

Regional Victoria Regional Victoria covers everywhere else- from Geelong to Ballarat to Bendigo to Gippsland to the mountains. This list consists of the clinic names and their locations. If you click on their address you will open the google maps page for that location. To book at any of these locations, you will still need to call 1800 675 398 or through the online booking system (you need an email address to sign up) unless it states otherwise. GEELONG Barwon Health Community Vaccination Hub 2-30 North Shore Road, Norlane 3214 (old Ford factory). Parking available on-site and easy access to bus stops and public transport. Book here Walk-ins accepted for AstraZeneca, although you are encouraged to book via the links above. Walk-ins are not available for Pfizer. If you walk in, you should be prepared to wait. Walk-ins are only accepted from 8.30am to 3.30pm each day. COBRAM Cobram NCN Health 1 O'Dwyer Ave, Cobram VIC Open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 8.30am - 4:30pm Open Wednesday 8.30am-8pm Closed public holidays Use the online booking system or call 1800 675 398 for availability. Walk ins are not accepted at this vaccination centre. HORSHAM Horsham Community Clinic 20 McLachlan St, Horsham VIC Open Monday to Friday 9.30am-4pm Closed public holidays Use the online booking system or call 1800 675 398 for availability. Walk ins are not accepted at this vaccination centre. SHEPPARTON Shepparton Showgrounds - McIntosh Centre Corner of Thompson Street and High Street, Shepparton VIC Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9am-4.30pm Open Tuesday 9am-8pm Open public holidays Walk ins are accepted at this vaccination centre. CASTLEMAINE Castlemaine Health 142 Cornish St, Castlemaine, VIC 3450 Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9am-12:45pm and 1:30pm-2:30pm. Closed public holidays. Use the online booking system or call 1800 675 398 for availability. Walk ins are not accepted at this vaccination centre CORRYONG Corryong Vaccination Hub 20 Kiell Street, Corryong VIC Open Tuesday and Wednedsay 9am-4pm Use the online booking system or call 1800 675 398 for availability. Walk ins are not accepted at this vaccination centre. GIPPSLAND Sale - Gippsland Regional Sports Complex 116 Cobains Road, Sale VIC Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:45am-3:30pm Open Thursday 15th July and Thursday 5th August 3pm-9pm) Closed public holidays Use the online booking system or call 1800 675 398 for availability. Walk ins are not accepted at this vaccination centre. SEYMOUR Seymour Health 1 Bretonneux Street, Seymour VIC Open Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm Use the online booking system or call 1800 675 398 for availability. Walk ins are not accepted at this vaccination centre. FIND A PHARMACY REGIONAL VICTORIA