Understanding the damage of stigma A lived experience ‘spokesperson’ is on a mission to break down the barriers preventing people from being open with healthcare providers about their drug use.
Victoria announces permanent pill testing program The drug checking service will begin this summer and attend up to 10 music festivals over the next 18-months.
Drug checking trial launches at injecting centre The RACGP welcomed the groundbreaking pilot, which enables users to test their substances while under medical supervision.
Deaths and overdoses prompt coroner pill testing call Two Victorian coroners have said the service could provide ‘lifesaving insights’ and tailored information to illicit drug users.
Drug survey backs RACGP’s calls for harm reduction The college’s Addiction Medicine Chair believes the results should be used as leverage to better support GPs providing care in this area.
Exercise must be ‘core treatment’ for depression: Study Researchers have urged GPs to prescribe physical activity alongside traditional interventions, with yoga and strength training especially beneficial.
Pill testing calls follow multiple overdoses at Melbourne festival The Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Addiction Medicine has said such a move would be ‘a no-brainer’.
Predicted fentanyl influx prompts call for drug-testing services The ‘common-sense’ measure has the support of the RACGP, with a spokesperson saying urgent action is needed to save lives.
‘Historic’ funding changes for opioid dependency treatment Addiction GPs say the changes will help to reduce barriers when it comes to prescribing and access – and in the process reduce stigma.
SafeScript turns four: What have we learnt? Three GPs reflect on the real-time monitoring system for high-risk medications, the benefits and what could be improved.