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25.01.2022 DRUG ALERT: VICTORIA In Victoria, Australia: N-ETHYLPENTYLONE has been identified in cocaine (December 2020). N-ethylpentylone has been associated with recent hospitalisations in Victoria.... Look out for agitation and nausea. Longer lasting effects can include 12-72h severe insomnia and paranoia, even temporary psychosis. ** Insomnia very strongly related to how big your dose is, and how much you redose ** Powders sold as cocaine may not be the only substances with N-ethylpentylone in them. N-ethylpentylone can look like a white or off-white powder/crystal, and has previously been missold as MDMA pills in Victoria. It can look and smell very similar to other stimulant drugs. Cocaine and n-ethylpentylone can be easily distinguished using at-home reagent test kits. Best practice is to use multiple reagents (e.g. one to identify potential contaminants, and one to identify the presence of the desired substance). Exercise extreme caution if test results are unusual/unexpected. As always: start low, go slow, and seek help if something feels off. Call an ambulance (000) if you/a friend is experiencing these symptoms. You will not get in trouble - they are there to help! See the full alert from the Department of Health and Human Services Victoria here: https://www2.health.vic.gov.au//d/n-ethylpentylone-cocaine

24.01.2022 Find updated info on our website about #NitrousOxide #LaughingGas, including some harm reduction tips and info on B12. https://www.crew.scot/nitrous-oxide-updat...e/ #NOS #whippets #nangs #gases

23.01.2022 UK police officers saying...

23.01.2022 It's the end of Intro-to-MDMA/MDA-Analysis week. This is 16 samples that all contain MDMA as only active substance, according to our testing. Note dramatic diff...erences in color & consistency. Appearances can becomplicated. We don't know all the factors that go into color & consistency, but we'll keep documenting! * Drugsdata.org/results.php?search_field=substance&s=MDMA * #Erowid #DrugsData #DrugChecking #HarmReduction #MDMA #MDA See more

21.01.2022 How can you help ground yourself/others when you're feeling overwhelmed? Practical tips from DanceWize!

21.01.2022 CORONER CALLS FOR DRUG CHECKING SERVICES IN VICTORIA Victorian Coroner Paresa Sparos has called for drug checking services to be made available in Victoria "as a matter of urgency", following an investigation into five tragic and avoidable deaths in 2016-17, involving a toxic combination of 25C-NBOMe and 4-Fluoroamphetamine. We call on the Victorian Government to heed the advice of the Coroners Court of Victoria.... The Loop Australia is ready to start testing in Victoria, with a team of trained chemists, health professionals and researchers and a fully operational mobile laboratory. Our media release with more information is available on our website: https://www.theloop.org.au/ Media release from the Coroners Court of Victoria https://www.coronerscourt.vic.gov.au/coroner-calls-urgent-d Article from Dr Monica Barratt: Drug checking and an early warning network could save lives https://theconversation.com/drug-checking-and-an-early-warn

21.01.2022 ATTN VICTORIA Exciting opportunity to work with a fantastic team working hard to make music events safer

19.01.2022 If you live in Australia and took drugs at least monthly in 2019, you might be interested in this survey from the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) The #ADAPTStudy is exploring the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on Australians who use drugs. Share your experiences in the confidential online survey and enter a prize draw to win one of 20 $100 GiftPay vouchers.... Learn more about the study and take part on the ADAPT website: https://www.adaptstudy.org.au/

18.01.2022 Info from NSW Health about acetyl-fentanyl (a *very* strong opioid) being taken unknowingly by people who thought they were taking stimulants (cocaine). "Substances containing acetyl-fentanyl are not pharmaceutical grade and, as a result, can have widely variable doses and effects"

18.01.2022 Just Mossin got the opportunity to see a pill testing demonstration in action run by the incredible team at @wearetheloopau. The demonstration was set up in the @the_consciousnests harm reduction tent and was used to show patrons how testing will hopefully occur in future years.

18.01.2022 Tripsit have revised their chart which allows people to highlight the most dangerous combinations of drugs to avoid. Of course, combining less dangerous drugs still isn't *safe* so it's essential to do extra research on any drug or combination you are considering. Tripsit have loads of great resources to make this process straightforward at: https://wiki.tripsit.me/wiki/Drug_combinations

17.01.2022 DRUG ALERT FROM NSW HEALTH Fentanyl & acetylfentanyl identified in cocaine and ketamine (found in Sydney & regional NSW) Details: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au//drug-warning-cocaine-ketami... Fentanyl and acetylfentanyl are very strong opioids. They can cause overdose even in very small doses. Risk of overdose is higher if you do not usually take opioids, or if you have also taken other sedative substances (e.g. alcohol, benzodiazepines). Look out for: drowsiness, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, snoring or gurgling, blue-tinged lips or nails, pinpoint pupils, being cold and clammy. REDUCE YOUR RISK: 1) Know the signs & symptoms (see above), so you can identify and respond early. 2) Test your drugs using fentanyl strips or marquis reagent tests. 3) Don't use alone, and look out for your friends. 3) Keep naloxone (an opioid overdose reversal drug) on you just in case. It's available over-the-counter at pharmacies in all states & territories in Australia. More information about naloxone: https://yourroom.health.nsw.gov.au//ge/Pages/Naloxone.aspx

16.01.2022 Melbourne!! Catch Fiona Measham from The Loop and The Loop Australia at this free talk at RMIT University. She'll be talking about design, delivery and evaluation of drug checking services, and asking where, when and how testing services should operate. Register here:... https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/drug-checking-outside-the-b

15.01.2022 NSW deputy coroner Harriet Grahame is delivering recommendations today from the coroner's inquest into deaths arising at music festivals. #auspol #NSWpol #pilltesting #drugchecking

14.01.2022 Drug checking isn't just for festivals! Curious about what this looks like? The Loop UK piloted the UK's first community-based drug checking services in 2018. This paper discusses its feasibility & service design characteristics.... This article on is still FREE to access for the next ~2 weeks. Bedtime reading, sorted https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com//full/10/bcp.14231

13.01.2022 Our panel on Saturday at Earth Frequency Festival talked about festival safety (with a focus on drug checking and decriminalisation) with a few local legends: - Rebecca Lang (QLD Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies) - Michael Berkman - Greens MP for Maiwar - Paul Abad (Earth Frequency)... - Julie Tam (Just Mossin) - Brooke Walters (ConsciousNest) Here's a quick clip of Jonathan Sri, Councillor for The Gabba and Michael Berkman talking about our favourite topic

13.01.2022 A heads up to those in northern NSW (and around Australia) - make sure to take care of yourself and those around you this holiday season.

12.01.2022 Many thanks to FOMO, DanceWize NSW, NSW Police Force, NSW Health, & Australian Paramedics Association NSW for welcoming The Loop Australia & The Loop onsite over the weekend. And to Lizzo for her incredible performance & encouraging donations to wildlife charities WIRES

12.01.2022 Melbourne hospo and nightlife workers! Don't miss this Healthy Nightlife Forum, hosted by PARTi Project, TOMORROW at Revolver Upstairs. Learn about the current drug market... Discuss tools for recognising & responding to drug-related harm Workshop ways to increase the safety of patrons and staff PLUS hear from guest speaker, Dr Monica Barratt (The Loop Australia, RMIT Social and Global Studies Centre, Global Drug Survey, Bluelight.org) RSVP by emailing [email protected]

12.01.2022 Lorne Falls Festival has just been cancelled due to extreme weather conditions. 9000 people already camping on site are being asked to leave

12.01.2022 A beautiful collaboration between Harm Reduction services last weekend at Earth Frequency Festival supporting each other @Just Mossin The Loop Australia

11.01.2022 Here's a great list of some easy-to-read links and resources around looking after your mental health, safer drug use and our attitude towards COVID-19. The unce...rtainty is scary, but we're all in this boat so please reach out to each other for support and comfort. Big thanks to our ConsciousNester Elizabeth for putting this together <3 - Social Stigma associated with COVID-19 https://www.who.int//coronaviruse/covid19-stigma-guide.pdf - Directory for Mental Health Support https://www.lifeinmindaustralia.com.au//mental-health-supp - Mental Health and Psychosocial Considerations during COVID-19 Breakout https://www.who.int//cor/mental-health-considerations.pdf - COVID-19 Harm Reduction for People Who Use Drugs https://www.talkingdrugs.org/covid19-harm-reduction-for-peo - Looking After Your Mental Health During Coronavirus https://www.beyondblue.org.au//looking-after-your-mental-h -Managing Stress and Anxiety https://www.cdc.gov//2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anx -Tips for coping with Corona Virus Anxiety https://www.psychology.org.au//3/20APS-IS-COVID-19-P1.pdf -Tips for separated parents during COVID-19 http://www.legalaid.qld.gov.au//Ten-tips-for-separated-par

11.01.2022 Happy Valentine's Day! There's nothing we l u r v e more than our new lab, so today we're: - onsite at Earth Frequency Festival ... - demonstrating our shiny new lab - with our good friends ConsciousNest We'll be here all weekend, come say hi!

10.01.2022 Drug Warning High/variable dose MDMA NSW Health has released a drug warning about a range of pressed pills (ecstasy) currently circulating in NSW. The...re are many different presses which have been identified as having high and variable doses of MDMA. The orange/white Q-Dance pills were found to have an average of 190mg of MDMA per pill up to 3x the common strength. The strength of these pills will vary some will be stronger than others, even if theyre from the same batch. Up to 3x common strength Average of 190mg MDMA per pill Two pills from the same batch could be different! Some are stronger, some are weaker If you're planning on partying: start low and go slow!! Half your dose and wait 2 hours before redosing Test your pills as best you can Avoid multiple doses Avoid redosing for at least 2 hours Avoid mixing with other stimulants and alcohol Highly variable effect Time to peak may vary Look out for: Excessive sweating or stopping sweating when active/hot Uncontrolled repetitive movements Confusion, agitation, paranoia Get help early if you or a mate are in trouble Stay hydrated and as cool as possible Avoid mixing and don't use alone Seek medical help ASAP or call 000 if unwell The safest dose for you is not necessarily what your mates are taking Recent deaths in NSW were a direct result of taking high doses of MDMA taking good pills, not dodgy ones! Your body weight, tolerance and experience, how much you've eaten that day, and hormonal factors, all have to be considered when deciding on your dose. Check out https://rollsafe.org/mdma/#taking-mdma-molly-ecstasy for more specific info on doses.

10.01.2022 Another drug alert from NSW Health - stay safe friends! #StartLowGoSlow

10.01.2022 DRUG ALERT FROM QUEENSLAND HEALTH 4-Fluoroamphetamine (4-FA) and 25C-NBOMe in brown crystalline form (very similar appearance to crystal MDMA) identified in Brisbane. This combo has previously contributed to deaths and hospitalisations on the Gold Coast, and in Perth, Canberra and Melbourne. Previously, this was believed to be sold as MDMA.... When consumed together, 4-FA and 25C-NBOMe combine to increase adverse effects: this is a seriously dangerous combo. If using a Marquis reagent test, MDMA crystal should give a strong and immediate colour change to BLACK. In contrast, 4-FA + 25C-NBOMe will give either NO or VERY LITTLE colour change. More info on this combo: https://www.unodc.org//48940b13-df58-4da2-a66b-d54a8f7362f7

09.01.2022 Got 10 mins? Help The Loop track the effects of COVID on drug use around the world! Take part in PHASE 1 of this COVID + drug use survey (developed by Northern European drug services) (Australia's invited though). Phases 2 and 3 to follow after restrictions are relaxed. http://gtresearch.uk/surveys/index.php/487467?lang=en

09.01.2022 NSW coroner recommends sweeping reforms to prevent further deaths at music festivals "Drug checking is simply an evidence-based harm reduction strategy that should be trialled as soon as possible in NSW"

09.01.2022 Thinking about taking MDMA? Check in before you roll!

08.01.2022 NSW Coroner Harriet Grahame investigated the deaths of 6 young festival-goers over the past 2 years. Her draft report recommends medically-supervised drug checking services at NSW festivals with a separate permanent drug-checking facility similar to the Dutch model (DIMS)

08.01.2022 We've already seen virtual clubs and illicit parties - where to next? This deep-dive unpacks the potential future of post-COVID partying. Who will have access to party spaces? "The scenes of returning parties are a model of privilege ... Specialist parties that exist primarily for queer or non-white audiences will be the first to take a hit, because its a cloistered scene by trade, and often by necessity too."... How will scenes adapt to new social contracts? "In the wake of protests that broke out across the globe, countless promoters, platforms, and actors within the music industry have pledged to be more equitable and stop being so incessantly self-involved, but this already feels compromised." How will we interact with each other? "The psychology of trusting one another in crowded places is unknown. Dancefloors have a de facto code of ethics: look out for each other, but so long as no-one is causing harm or distress, you dont grass someone up." The upside? A unique opportunity to reshape dance music: "Vote with your wallet: attend smaller events, support independent publication, buy direct from your favourites, uplift those without a dominant voice, make green choices, reject the orthodoxy of corporate experiences." https://www.dazeddigital.com//clubbing-dance-music-after-c

07.01.2022 We're disappointed to see that drug checking has been ruled out in the NSW government's interim response to the NSW Ice Inquiry, but hopeful to see some other wins for harm reduction soon. You can check out the full report here: https://www.dpc.nsw.gov.au//The-Dr/02-Report-Volume-1a.pdf

06.01.2022 We're delighted to announce the arrival of our first piece of The Loop Australia lab equipment. This FTIR (Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) beauty joins four older siblings in The Loop UK FTIR family. We'd like to offer many thanks to our funders and supporters! #timetotest #justsayknow #harmreduction #pilltesting #drugchecking

05.01.2022 If you're using at-home test kits, Dancesafe has tips for better testing!

05.01.2022 29 countries. 49 models of decriminalisation. One handy web-tool: Decriminalisation Across the World https://www.talkingdrugs.org/drug-decriminalisation

04.01.2022 DRUG ALERT FROM NSW Health High/variable dose MDMA in blue 'chupa chups' branded pill. Did you know that two identical pills can have completely different amounts of MDMA in them? In practice, this means that you could have one pill and not feel very high at all, and have a second one that knocks your socks off (all the way to the emergency department).... That's why we recommend you START LOW (take a quarter) and GO SLOW (wait 2-3 hours before re-dosing). MDMA come up can take 30-90 minutes, or even longer if you have a full stomach (or depending on the press of the pill). If you're not feeling it after that, it could be: - A low dose pill - A low dose chunk of a high-dose pill (the MDMA could be concentrated in another part of the pill) - Not MDMA If you or someone else is experiencing adverse side effects (e.g. feeling really hot, rigid muscles, confusion or agitation, racing pulse/heart, aggression, uncontrolled repetitive movements, vomiting, seizures, unconscious), CALL 000 and move to a quiet but supervised space. ALERT: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au//drug-warning-mdma-blue-chup MDMA use checklist: https://www.globaldrugsurvey.com//thinking-of-using-mdma-/

04.01.2022 Drug Warning Etizolam is being sold as Xanax NSW Health has released a drug warning about numerous batches of fake alprazolam/Xanax. We also have peer ...reports that these pills are currently circulating around Sydney. These drugs are pressed so they look like branded alprazolam tablets (Xanax bars or Mylan-brand pills). However, the active ingredient in these is etizolam a completely different drug, with some different effects! Although etizolam is chemically related to alprazolam, their effects may be different between people. You're more likely to have a bad time or do something you'll regret if you mix etizolam with alcohol or other drugs. Both etizolam and alprazolam can lead to compulsive redosing. Things to look out for: unusually alert/energetic after dosing time to come on may differ from Xanax Remember to stay safe! Dont redose - Multiple doses are dangerous Avoid mixing with alcohol or other drugs Dont use alone Seek medical help ASAP, call 000 if feeling unwell

04.01.2022 DRUG ALERT: VICTORIA In Victoria, Australia: Green UPS pills found to contain N-ethylpentylone instead of MDMA. Shorter period of intended effects, but much longer duration of negative effects, including 12-72h severe insomnia and paranoia, even temporary psychosis.... Call 000 if you/a friend is experiencing these symptoms, or go to the medical tent if you're at a festival. ** Insomnia very strongly related to how big your dose is, and how much you redose ** This may not be the only pill/power with N-ethylpentylone in it. N-ethylpentylone can also look like a white or off-white powder/crystal. It can look and smell very similar to MDMA. See the full alert from the Victorian Government Department of Health and Human Services here: https://www2.health.vic.gov.au//green-ups-containing-n-eth As always: start low, go slow, and seek help if something feels off. General advice if you plan on taking substances you think are MDMA: https://www.globaldrugsurvey.com//thinking-of-using-mdma-/

04.01.2022 Whether you're taking your mushrooms to the kitchen , or to the fifth dimension , make sure your final destination is not the emergency department . DHHS warning https://www2.health.vic.gov.au//poisonous-mushrooms-growin... Resources hrvic.org.au/resources -> scroll down to 'magic mushrooms' dancewizensw.org.au/mushrooms tripsafe.org/how-to-take-shrooms drugs.tripsit.me/mushrooms #harmreduction #mushroomseason #foraging

03.01.2022 ***CW//death*** 'Taking drugs does not define her, but it has driven us to want to help stop other avoidable deaths.' We wanted to share Saffron's story and ill...ustrate how her family and friends turned such tragic circumstances to promote more awareness and understanding of drug use. #HarmReduction is at the heart of everything we do here at The Loop and we cannot thank Trish, Chris, Tom and the rest of their team enough for their efforts in raising over 6,000 to help us with our work, as well as their ongoing support, encouragement and inspiration! Last year the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology published findings that nearly of substances submitted to The Loop’s drug checking service had been missold, and currently about of #MDMA submitted to New Zealand festival drug checking services are missold. Stories like these mean we will continue to keep the conversation going about drugs and drug checking, as well as provide harm reduction advice and information on drug contents and strength directly to drug users and support services. You can check out the full length documentary here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=359026601398696 #TimeToTest #JustSayKnow #StartLowGoSlow

02.01.2022 Sensible, evidence-based policies that take inspiration from what has already been tried and tested elsewhere can show a way out of Britains drug crisis https://virg.in/SsY

02.01.2022 Some good info from the Good Night Out Vancouver Team

01.01.2022 Congrats to Fiona Measham (co-founder of The Loop UK and The Loop AU) on being recognised for her hard work and dedication to festival safety from the UK Festival Awards