The Loop Australia

An overview of findings from our first four months of operating a drug checking service in Queensland is now available: https://lnkd.in/gvQMtkJj This report shows that 219 people have accessed pill testing services in four months of CheQpoint’s operation in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. 392 drug samples were tested and one in 10 contained an unexpected psychoactive drug. 16% of people who accessed the service disposed of their drugs after consulting with the service’s health professionals. An additional 23% said they would reduce their drug dosage following their consultation. “Our priority is to stay ahead of emerging threats, ensuring that people are informed and protected.” - Cameron Francis, CEO of The Loop Australia "The report highlights the transformative impact of pill testing on community health. Direct, personalised health advice can help prevent overdose and save lives.” - Geoffrey Davey, CEO of QuIHN

We found a novel dissociative (most likely 2F-NENDCK) in white powder expected to be methamphetamine. Novel dissociatives like 2F-NENDCK can hit very very quick and strong when injected, which could put you straight into an intense k-hole. A printable poster/flyer is available at https://lnkd.in/gxC6RKJT We’re advising people in Brisbane who plan on taking methamphetamine to get it tested, especially if it’s a new batch and especially if injecting. CheQpoint's free and confidential drug checking services are open in Burleigh Heads (Gold Coast) Thursday 2-6pm, and Bowen Hills (Brisbane) Friday 2-6pm. Otherwise, start with a very small dose first and wait to see the effects. Watch out for unusual effects. If you’re expecting methamphetamine but you’re experiencing dissociation, disorientation, or unexpected perception distortions, they might be signs that there’s something else in there. More info on novel dissociatives here: https://lnkd.in/gqA8z9h3 QuIHN QuIVAA Queensland Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies (QNADA)

A snapshot report of CheQpoint's first month of operation is now available! CheQpoint is a free, voluntary and confidential drug checking service open at QuIHN Brisbane every Friday from 12.30pm-6pm. We're a partnership of The Loop Australia, QuIVAA and QuIHN. See the full report here: https://lnkd.in/gvtukZ53 ?? We tested 51 samples that clients expected to be psychoactive drugs. ? Unexpected substances included synthetic cathinones and a substance consistent with 'tusi'. You can find out more about these substances in the tiles. ?? We're here to help clients find out what's in their drugs, ways to stay safe and strategies to avoid having a bad time. Testing samples also helps us put together reports like this, that let the community know what's in circulation and what to look out for. Findings from our steroid research project (Tim Piatkowski) are reported separately, and will be posted soon.