What is Harm Minimisation
Harm minimisation refers to policies and programs 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 suboxone programs. We support these programs 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.
Further information regarding either Methadone or Suboxone may be found at:
www.druginfo.adf.org.au/drug-facts/methadone
Direct Line provides 24-hour telephone counselling to help you locate a pharmacy or doctor providing methadone and Suboxone services.
Direct Line: 1800 888 236
Heroin overdose:
Symptoms vary from person to person,and may include:
- Slurred speech
- Unsteady walking/poor balance
- Drowsines, 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
