Drug checking trial launches at injecting centre The RACGP welcomed the groundbreaking pilot, which enables users to test their substances while under medical supervision.
Australian state first to offer permanent pill testing Queensland will invest $1 million over two years to establish free, confidential and ongoing illicit drug testing services.
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.
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’.
‘Many roads to change’: The therapeutic alliance for AOD use A newly published paper in AJGP builds on the RACGP’s AOD Education Program to present a ‘universally applicable’ approach for GPs.
‘This decision will save lives’: Call for evidence-based approach to drugs Australia-wide The RACGP has welcomed Victoria’s decision to make a medically supervised injecting room ongoing, with GP Dr Hester Wilson urging other jurisdictions to take note.
How to make gambling harm part of ‘that general medical conversation’ The RACGP wants to support GPs to identify patients at risk of gambling harm in order to better implement targeted specialist treatment.
GP-led research highlights non-prescribed steroids risk The general practice-based study reveals health issues associated with their use and aims to change stereotypes around users.
Two-thirds of Australians support pill testing at festivals: Survey Supporters hope public pressure will lead to policy changes, but opponents maintain ‘no pill is safe’.
Is there hidden trauma behind strict drug laws? Dr Hester Wilson raises concerns over the ‘drugs are bad’ mentality, when there is a proven harm-minimisation approach.