Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy (CAHMA) provides a peer based users group run by and for past or current illicit/injecting drug users, their families and friends.
CAHMA represents the interests of drug users and promotes improved health and reduction of harms associated with illicit/injecting drug use through peer based education workshops, information and policy development. Peer support, advocacy, education, information and referrals are also provided.
CAHMA provides consultancy/assistance and training upon request to alcohol and other drug services and other organisations, on issues relating to illicit/injecting drug use.
Overdose prevention, recognition and management. Participants are trained in the administration of Naloxone & are issued a Naloxone kit for overdose reversal. Training is run regularly; booking is essential. Medicare card required. Naloxone is prescribed and issued to opioid drug users only.
The Peer Education Support Group Program provides peer education groups run by and for past or current illicit/injecting drug users and pharmacotherapy consumers.
Topics for harm reduction education workshops include: blood borne viruses; sexual health; overdose prevention; safer injecting; drug treatments; mental health and co-morbidity. Consultations and focus groups for consumers to input into local and national policy development activities are facilitated, and the program actively promotes health and human rights for drug users.
A group for pharmacotherapy (methadone or buprenorphine) consumers that meets at 4pm, on the last Thursday of each month. Snacks and drinks provided. Provides peer support, information, education and advocacy for issues related to pharmacotherapy treatment. PHAAT aims to improve treatment service provision, provides representation for consumers on decision making forums and provides assistance for consumers to achieve positive outcomes from their treatment. Support is provided to assist people in accessing treatment and advocacy is provided for consumers experiencing any difficulties with their treatment.
The Treatment Support Service provides information, support and referral for people accessing drug treatments or those considering entering treatment. Information and support provided for people to access detoxification, rehabilitation or opioid treatment programs in the ACT or interstate. This peer support program provides information on the range of treatment options available, assists people to make informed treatment choices and provides referral and support in accessing treatment services. The service promotes consumer rights and advocates on behalf of people having treatment difficulties.