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What is Harm Minimisation
Harm minimisation refers to policies and program’s aimed at reducing drug-related harm. It aims to improve health, social and economic outcomes for the community and the individual by a range of integrated approaches which include:
Supply Reduction - to disrupt the production and supply of illicit drugs
Demand Reduction - to prevent uptake of harmful drug use
Harm reduction - encourages people that are going to use illicit drugs to do it as safely as possible.
We support harm minimisation initiatives running throughout the community and actively participate in the methadone and buprenorphine program. We support these program’s because having an addiction to illicit drugs is a disease. Drug addiction needs to be looked after professionally in an appropriate environment, similar to a person requiring professional treatment if they suffer from diabetes or high blood pressure.
The Methadone Program ("Done")
Methadone is an opiate drug used in substitution therapy for the treatment of heroin and other opiate dependence. You can be prescribed methadone after you have been assessed by a doctor. The effects of methadone last much longer than heroin, a single dose lasting around 19 hours.
There are two types of methadone programs, a maintenance (long-term) treatment and a withdrawal (short-term) detoxification treatment.
Benefits of methadone treatment:
Lasts longer in the body so only taken once a day Helps you handle the withdrawal process Cheaper than heroin
Unwanted effects:
- Feel drowsy
- Sweating
- Muscle aches
- Loss of appetite / nausea and vomiting
- Lowered sex drive
- Dry mouth - which can lead to tooth decay.
Important Facts About Methadone:
- You will need to attend the pharmacy every day to collect your methadone and will need to take it in front of the pharmacist.
- The pharmacist can only dispense what the doctor has prescribed you.
- If you are going away you will need to make arrangements for a methadone transfer well ahead of time.
- Using other drugs while you are on methadone increases the risk of drug overdose. You need to tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medication (including over the counter medication or other illicit drugs).
- Drinking large amounts of alcohol can cause methadone withdrawal symptoms
- Don't give your methadone to anyone else. This can be dangerous and lead to overdose.
- Do not inject methadone, this can lead to blood clotting, collapsed veins and other medical conditions.
- Drink plenty of water each day (at least 2 litres)
- Visit you dentist regularly! (at least twice a year).
The Buprenorphine Program ("Subutex / Bupe")
Buprenorphine is used in a similar way to methadone for drug substitution therapy. They come in the form of tablets which are crushed and placed under the tongue where they are left to absorb. Buprenorphine has a much longer duration of action than methadone, so it has the advantage dosing every second day if appropriate.
Starting methadone or buprenophine
You need to have one doctor and one pharmacy for methadone or buprenorphine treatment. You need to see the doctor regularly during the first few weeks of treatment until your dose holds you or you feel comfortable.
Direct Line provides 24-hour telephone counseling to help locate a pharmacy or doctor providing methadone and buprenorphine services.
Direct Line: 1800 888 236
Overdose
Symptoms vary from person to person, and may include:
- Slurred speech
- Unsteady walking / poor balance
- Drowsiness
- Slowed movement
Dangerous symptoms of overdose include:
- Unresponsive
- Difficulty breathing
- Blue lips and fingers
- Clammy pale skin
- Eyes rolling back
Call an ambulance immediately if someone experiences these symptom’s
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