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Opioids is an umbrella term for natural or synthetic drugs that  are derived from – or related to – the opium poppy. Opioids are central nervous system depressants, that dull the senses, induce relaxation and euphoria. They depress (slow down) breathing and the heart rate. In high doses, opioids depress the body’s natural urge to breathe. When someone is having an overdose they can stop breathing and may die. Even if a person does not die from overdose, they can sustain brain damage.

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Stimulants are a category of drug that increase alertness and heart rate, producing an effect of increased confidence, and energy. Large doses of these drugs can result in anxiety, panic, seizures, headaches, stomach cramps, aggression and paranoia.

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August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day, an annual campaign to end overdose.

This is a day to remember people who have died from overdose, and to acknowledge the grief of families and friends. The campaign also raises awareness about overdose prevention and seeks to end the stigma around overdose.

The theme for 2025 is ‘One big family, driven by hope’ - the overdose crisis doesn’t just shatter our families; it fractures our communities.

Each year, millions of people are prescribed medications, most commonly antidepressants, to help manage these conditions. But many are unaware of the risks of mixing some medications with alcohol or other drugs (AOD).

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Tianeptine is an atypical tricyclic antidepressant with opioid receptor activity that is being marketed in gas stations, smoke shops, and other roadside stores as a “dietary supplement” under the name Neptune’s Fix, Tianaa, or Za Za. Some people refer to it as gas station heroin.

Is somebody you care about going through alcohol or other drug treatment? As a close family member or friend, you can be a major source of support. By staying connected to them during treatment and recovery, you can help to make a lasting and positive change.

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There are about 40,600 people in Australia’s prisons; with over 62,000 people going through the prison system each year. Many people entering prison have poorer physical and mental health than the general population. And, a large proportion have a history of risky alcohol, drug use and dependence.

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Reports that people are accidentally taking potent synthetic opioids are increasing worldwide. And so are the harms caused by them. Here we explore what they are, why they can be dangerous, and ways to reduce the risks.

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Vaping is similar to smoking cigarettes, but instead of burning tobacco it heats a liquid. Are you a parent, carer or teacher worried about young people vaping? Or a young person wanting information or trying to cut back? Here you can find resources and support.

Withdrawal is the process of cutting out, or cutting back on, addictive substances. It is also called ‘detoxification’, or ‘detox’.

Alcohol withdrawal can range from being extremely unpleasant to potentially dangerous and life-threatening.

There is no way of knowing for certain the ingredients contained in fake or illegally produced counterfeit alcohol, which means that drinking it can lead to anything from nausea, to blindness and even death.