Trying to cut down on weed?
There’s a lot of reasons people decide to quit using cannabis. You might be smoking up every day, spending more time or money on it than you want to, or be worried about the very real health harms that can come with chronic cannabis use. Cannabis harm reduction is one way to make sure you’re not doing yourself a disservice – it might include cutting down the amount you’re using, seeking treatment, or making use of some savvy tips that will help you keep it together and stay healthy when smoking (especially for daily smokers).
New Study investigates CBD for Cannabis Use Disorder
Time to be honest – while many Australians smoke cannabis occasionally or regularly, chronic and everyday smoking can cause a range of health and social problems that together can be known as Cannabis Use Disorder. The CBD-CUD study is a new study looking at treatment of cannabis use disorder. Led by the University of Sydney and rolling out across sites in Sydney, Newcastle and Melbourne, the study focuses on whether CBD (in combination with counselling) can help people with cannabis use disorder reduce their cannabis use.
What psychedelic assisted therapy could mean for meth use
Australian researchers have just completed the worlds first study into psychedelic assisted psychotherapies (PAT) for methamphetamine use disorder. But what is PAT? And how could it change the treatment landscape?
Magic mushrooms for meth?
There is an ongoing clinical trial of giving psilocybin (the active ingredient in ‘magic mushrooms’) to help people who are living with a methamphetamine (‘meth’ or ‘ice’) use disorder. Maureen Steele is a Peer Worker who helped design the trial to ensure it gives users what they need to succeed.
Drug use, disability, neurodivergence and healthcare | Helio’s Story
I first sought out an ADHD diagnosis when I was 23, and the psychiatrist told me, “No, actually you just have the learning capacity of a 16-year-old due to your drug addiction.” Yikes. It took me a couple of years to wrestle with that message – to make sure I rejected it on a deep level – before I tried again with another doctor. And boom, I was right: my ADHD scored off the charts. No wonder amphetamines help my brain feel regulated.
I thought drugs were making me psychotic, but it was just stigma and misunderstanding | Akshay’s Story
When you’re beginning your journey of drug use, it is easy to get a bit overenthusiastic and end up lost, especially when you don’t have any elders around to help guide you. Akshay spent a lot of time worrying that cannabis and LSD had given him drug-induced anxiety, depersonalisation and psychosis, but he eventually realised that the people who were trying to help him held some negative attitudes towards drugs, and he needed a more supportive — and experienced — community around him.
Why you need to focus on self-care when caring for friends in a crisis | Jack’s Story
Jack’s friend became mentally unwell and he desperately wanted to help but unfortunately, he started to burn out. Jack talks about what you can do to support a friend, and how to set healthier boundaries.
I Fucking Love Depot Bupe! | Kiaran’s Story
There is not a one-size-fits-all when it comes to Opioid Treatment Programs (OTP). Which OTP medication is most beneficial will be different for different people. One of the newer OTP medications is Long Acting Injectable Buprenorphine (LAIB), also called “depot bupe”. Two brands — Buvidal and Sublocade — were approved by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration in April 2020.
Kiaran told Users News about how depot bupe has benefitted him but might not be best OTP medication for everyone.
Ibogaine: One man’s journey to change his drug use
Alex has been dependent on opioids for 20 years. When conventional treatments did not help him reach his goal of abstinence, he looked to ibogaine treatment. UN interviewed him the week before and 2 weeks after the 7-day guided treatment. Alex’s model of treatment isn’t about not using drugs, it’s about freeing himself from habits that don’t serve him.
Take charge! 10 tips to reduce Cravings
Dr Lachlan McPhail, psychiatrist with the Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, has expertise in helping people who want to reduce or stop their drug use to manage cravings and triggers. Here’s his top tips.
LOOKING FOR TREATMENT?
Advice about treatment, changing your use and other support. Intake Lines for detox services, counseling and OTP.
DEPENDENT ON OPIOIDS AND WANNA GET A GRIP? YOU HAVE A CHOICE
Here is some info about OTP was well as advice from peers.
BLAIR'S STORY: VALE LUKE -- OR IN SUPPORT OF SUBOXONE
This story is about a friend who would likely be alive today if he didn’t feel compelled to stop taking his life-saving medication.
GARY'S STORY: WHY BUVIDAL WORKS FOR ME
‘It's really been wonderful finding new things to get me up in the morning, to get me motivated about my life.’
LOOKING AT OTP SIDE EFFECTS... AND HOW TO COPE
‘All opioids have a range of effects. Some are desirable and some aren’t.’
EMMA'S STORY: WE DESERVE TREATMENTS THAT WORK AND ARE SAFE!
'I needed to believe in a miracle cure.'
9 TIPS FOR COMING OFF METHADONE - By Lee
Here are some tips for coming off methadone from someone who learned the lessons along the way.