The LDC Group have written a Guest Blog on the value of group reflective practice which is the collaborative examination and evaluation of shared experiences - it literally brings program evaluations to life.

Read about how we're using it:

firststep.org.au/guest_blog_mar…

We have recently completed a project investigating women’s perspectives on take-home #naloxone . Our latest blog explores some of our findings and outputs. rb.gy/jfy3pr

People who use drugs are more likely to experience housing difficulties due to criminalisation and social exclusion.

That’s why we must:
➡️Guarantee the right to housing;
➡️Eliminate criminalisation of persons living in homelessness.

Read more: hri.global/topics/interse…

Are you confused about the current regulations for #vaping in Australia - like most people?

This blog summarises the current laws on what you can and can't do ⤵️
Please share
colinmendelsohn.com.au/vaping/#regula…

Time's running out to have your say on the future of drug policy in Aus. Takes only 10mins & will give you a warm inner-glow knowing that you're part of the solution, not the problem. Check out our joint survey while you still can! surveymonkey.com/r/drugpolicy20…

'How about we take a few billion out of the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff (prisons) and put it into a fence at the top (primary health care)?'

Read Patrick's blog for #WorldHealthDay on equity and equality now: firststep.org.au/ceo_blog_apr24

Smoking releases nicotine along with 7,000 toxins incl a class of chemicals called monoamine oxidase inhibitors, which are used as an anti-depressant. These interact with the nicotine, (also an anti-depressant), making the combination very addictive.
#vaping
Dr Colin Mendelsohn

Poisonous mushrooms emerge in Victoria during Autumn.

Cooking, peeling and drying these mushrooms does not remove the poison, whilst consuming a death cap variety may result in death.

Remove any mushrooms growing in home gardens, and learn more here: go.vic.gov.au/4cNxKdt

Our own variant of ketamine turned up- we’re still working out the market implications…

Reports show that if people's expectations did not match the identified drug, this commonly led to a reduced intention to take it. And an Aust study found that more than 3/4 of regular ecstasy users would not take an 'unknown pill'.

#PillTesting #HarmReduction

Recently we surveyed our supporters and asked how they describe themselves. They told us that above all else, they were caring.

You can read more insights from the survey here:

firststep.org.au/survey_insight…

#LifeWithAddiction #FirstStep

We’re looking for local health professionals and people with lived experience to join our Clinical and Community Council. Find out more about the opportunity 👉 semphn.org.au/join-our-ccc

“Imposing large fines on people is counterproductive. You can’t get blood out of a stone. It shames people. They lose their sense of agency, feel they have no control, that they can’t change.” – Dr Quiery,

Read about how we help clients pay off fines.

firststep.org.au/ugly_fines

We are recruiting for a Primary Therapist for our Intensive Outpatient Program for people experiencing complex and problematic alcohol and other drugs use.

More information is available on our website: firststep.org.au/careers

Please share with your networks

Want to quit vaping? There’s an app for that theconversation.com/want-to-quit-v… via The Conversation - Australia + New Zealand

Have you recently participated in a drug driving behaviour change program?

Help inform the development of drug driving policies that are fair and appropriate.

Interviews are confidential and anonymous and participants receive a $50 gift voucher.

+ bit.ly/drugdrivingpro…

Evidence shows that nicotine vapes are actually more effective than nicotine replacement therapies, like patches, lozenges, gum or mouth spray.

Some people find #vaping helps them because it provides nicotine as well as the the hand-to-mouth action of smoking.

Dr Colin Mendelsohn

Harm reduction is always about comparing options. Some people vigorously object to injecting rooms where people can use illegal drugs while supervised without temporary risk of being arrested. What’s alternative? Unsafe injecting rooms.

In this months CEO blog, Patrick Lawrence introduces us to the four dimensions of Hope. What are they? Well, you'll just have to have a read...

firststep.org.au/ceo_blog_mar24

Mark Butler MP Do you not realise that your medical-pharmacy model has created a thriving black market that is freely selling #vapes to kids?
To restrict access to teens, you need to regulate vapes as legal adult consumer products sold from licensed retailers with strict age verification