Please click on the links below for more information about prescription and over-the-counter medications. You can also call us on 1800 931 101 or 9081 3080 for more information and advice.
INFORMATION ABOUT MEDICATIONS
For more information about prescription and over-the-counter medications, click on the links below to read a factsheet by the Australian Drug Foundation:
MEDICATION USE & CHRONIC PAIN
Find out more about the risks of taking medication and why opioid medication may not be the best treatment for persistent pain by clicking on the links and videos below.
- What is Pharmaceutical Misuse? (Alcohol and Drug Foundation)
- Feeling Better Without Medication (Alcohol and Drug Foundation)
- Risks of High Dose Opioid Medicines (NPS MedicineWise)
- Deciding to seek help — treatment options for people struggling with their opioid medication use
OVERDOSE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION
Click on the links below for more information about preventing overdose from medications:
- Worried about someone’s opioid use? A guide for family and friends
- Opioid Overdose Response Plan
- Opioid Overdose Factsheet
- Depressant Overdose Factsheet
- Naloxone: Frequently Asked Questions
USEFUL WEBSITES
The First Stop: Information about family support services and treatment options for problems with alcohol, medication and other drugs. The First Stop website includes support and coping tips for friends and family members.
ScriptWise: ScriptWise are a not-for-profit Australian organisation who are dedicated to reducing overdose and other harms from prescription and over-the-counter medications.
International Overdose Awareness Day: International Overdose Awareness Day is held on August 31st each year to remember those who have died of a drug overdose and to prevent overdose from happening in other families.
COPE (Community Overdose Prevention and Education): The Penington Institute website has information about ‘Overdose First Aid’.
Turn to Help: Information about codeine and painkiller dependence (addiction) and different types of treatment options.
Family Drug Help: Family Drug Help is a program of SHARC (Self Help Addiction Resource Centre) which provides support across Victoria for families affected by alcohol, medication and other drugs. Family Drug Help have support groups, information and workshops for families.
Family Drug Support: Family Drug Support is a national organisation which provides support and information for families affected by alcohol, medication and other drugs. Family Drug Support have support groups, information and workshops for families.
Reconnexion: Reconnexion is a not-for-profit organisation who provide information, support and treatment for people experiencing panic, anxiety, depression and tranquiliser (benzodiazepine) dependency.
PERSONAL STORIES
Click here to watch some personal stories of people with lived experience of medication misuse/dependence and recovery.
Not in the East or North East of Melbourne? Click Here.