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.

‘It's really been wonderful finding new things to get me up in the morning, to get me motivated about my life.’

We caught up with PAMS co-ordinator Sarah Lord to get the benefit of her years of experience in helping Victorians on OTP.

Check out what the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights and the NSW OTP Clinical Guidelines have to say about your rights.

‘Some people will need higher than usual doses of methadone or buprenorphine for it to work properly for them. This might be because they have a high tolerance or an unusually fast metabolism…. I’m simply happy to be on the program and not be a human pin cushion anymore.’

‘All opioids have a range of effects. Some are desirable and some aren’t.’

‘'Because you can’t talk about it anywhere else, talking about injecting methadone with your peers is important.’'

‘One of the things I like about NUAA is that they give out wheel filters.’

Be honest with yourself – are you ready?

‘The relief and validation of talking to peers who had been through the same journey was pure magic.’

What are the rules around driving in the Opiate Treatment Program (OTP)? Can I drive? ? These FAQs come directly from community consultations and our answers are straight from official sources.

‘I need to know I have one person who has all the facts and will tell it to me like it is.’

‘You can’t know what is hep C and what is life, or getting older, or a lifetime of drug use. But once I got rid of it I knew — hep C had really held me back.‘

‘When I inject into my veins, it’s my way or the highway.’

“While I’ve caused myself a few “headaches” by taking safe using seriously, it’s helped me steer clear of some nasty “migraines” like bloodborne viruses.

‘Here are several “myths” about hep C that are false or no longer true. Check to see if there is anything listed here that you need to change your mind about!’

Here are some of the cool posters that the men and women inside have come up with!

Finger prick testing is fast, convenient and easy to use – and you are in control. 

NUAA staff share their top tips for being a great Peer Worker.

This piece takes you through the main types of treatment available for health issues related to drug and alcohol use and the approaches they use.

Tips from those who've done it.