Man2Man Issue 12 Alcohol & Other Drugs (Current Issue)

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A HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN ISSUE #12: MAY 2012 WWW.M2MTAS.COM

Alcohol And Other Drugs Online Counselling TM

Viagra, Amyl & Crystal Alert More articles at www.m2mtas.com

20 YEARS OF WORKING WITH PEOPLE WHO INJECT DRUGS IN TASMANIA From The CEO

The area of drug & alcohol use and risky sex is a complicated one. Research shows a relationship; for example, methamphetamine (speed) use is associated with unusual or risky sexual behaviour. However, it is easy to fall into the trap of assuming a direct link between drug & alcohol use by M2M and risky sexual behaviour. Rather, it is important to understand that there are many factors at play. There are often a number of issues in the situation that need to be explored to develop a full understanding of behaviours and what is actually occurring. In this issue of MAN2MAN we will discuss the results of important drug use research, drug & alcohol use by young people, the dangers of mixing various drugs, and a range of support available for men struggling with problem drug or alcohol use. And hopefully, somewhere in this issue we will discuss in some way YOUR experience of drug & alcohol use, and provide some information that you find useful for yourself or someone you know.

We are also trying a new feature with this issue; additional articles and content we didn’t have room to fit in the magazine will be uploaded onto the MAN2MAN website. Be sure to go to www.m2mtas. com to learn more about what we discuss in this issue.

Shaun Staunton CEO – TasCAHRD Shaun Staunton joined TasCAHRD as the new CEO in February. He is this month’s guest editor.

03 6234 1242 m2m@taschard.org.au GPO Box 595, Hobart Tasmania 7001 www.m2mtas.com Facebook: Man2Man Tasmania www.twitter.com/Man2ManTas ISBN 978-0-646-55617-8 Views expressed in Man2Man are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of TasCAHRD. Man2Man is produced by David Williams on behalf of TasCAHRD. For production enquiries, call 0459 786 285.

People who inject drugs (PWID) are the outermost of the out groups in Tasmania.

I say this after working with them for the past 20 years, observing and listening to them while also listening to what doctors, other health professionals, bureaucrats, politicians and members of the general public say about them.

I have always known the problems PWIDs face but I think it was most brought home to me in the couple of recent years that I worked alongside the Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) in Tasmania.

And I was again more recently reminded in a couple of situations.

The first was that, while organising treatment for someone in severe “cold turkey”, a co-worker told me how wonderful it was that the person’s doctor had realised he was a “doctor-shopper” and dobbed him in. Being a doctor-policeman was more praiseworthy than avoiding or treating a withdrawal syndrome known to have the potential to cause suffering severe enough to lead to suicide.

The other was that the Department of Health and Human Services’ draft new treatment policy stated that detoxification should not be offered to opioid users as death was more likely after withdrawal than with continued use, but later the document also stated that it was ok to detox patients who did not pay their pharmacy accounts; this implies that there was one type of debtor for whom death is an alright punishment.

At TasCAHRD, I saw a steady stream of people who inject drugs but had lost all faith in mainstream treatment services.Their problems, although manifold, could be roughly divided into groups.

The first of these groups was those with infected injection sites. A typical

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problem: the middle-aged, quietly spoken man with a bandaged hand from which a face-twisting smell emanates. Examination reveals an ulcer taking up the whole of the back of the hand, deep enough to expose tendon and other tissue, horribly infected. And not treated. Just like their Hep C is not being treated.

Why not treated? Like so many with problems, fear of the repercussions of seeking help. Fear of the verbal abuse or lectures; fear of losing their drugs of injection; fear of losing their place on the Program. Fear engendered by feelings of guilt and embarrassment. Fears that might be irrational as well as rational, but ultimately, the fear of a member of an outgroup approaching health professionals in the society that is Tasmania today.

Then there are the groups that need to talk, to get things off their chest.

To talk about the discrimination suffered. Discrimination such that they felt unable to complain because of a perceived risk of punishment as retribution: they are under treatment, treatment means power to its providers, and power can lead to punishment. An alienated, resentful group who in the main just get on with it but will talk if an ear is available.

Next is the group of generally well-adjusted injectors who seek advice on how to disappear track marks because they might be spotted, putting work or business or partnerships in jeopardy. They often ask, should they inject into the femoral vein? Because then no one would see. And many do so inject.

Funnels in the groin. And lastly the group – including many of the above – who just want to sit down and talk about drugs – why they have the effect they do; why they use when others don’t; why some drugs are illegal but other more harmful ones are not; why individuals, not harming others, do not have the right to use. The scientific/philosophical group.

Seeing and talking to these people resulted in some pleasant reunions, because some were people who I had commenced on methadone when I was the first prescriber in Tasmania back 1992.

And here they were still going strong nearly 20 years later. Unlike so many others who started later and are now dead.

But mostly working there at TasCAHRD provoked the question, why are so many PWIDs so alienated from treatment services?

Because there was a period when I thought things were changing.

Because, back in the early nineties, we had finally started to properly

treat PWIDs as people with medical not moral problems.

and be properly treated once more.

Soon.

And now, knowing how big this outgroup is, I wonder, what went wrong?

This article by Dr David Jackson, General Practitioner.

Was it because treatment providers joined PWIDs in 1992 and together confronted bureaucrats and politicians (after the failure of education and negotiation) to start proper treatment and provoke optimism, and that we have now lost that collaboration between the in and outgroup? I don’t know. But I have not lost my optimism that PWIDs will lose their outgroup status

Dr Jackson saw clients of the Needle and Syringe Program when it was run

by TasCAHRD and played a vital role in facilitating access to medical care and support for these clients. While we no longer run the NSP, we continue to receive enquiries from PWID about securing an appointment with Dr Jackson, demonstrating the need and importance of this role.

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“... the internet means people can access a quality support service without barriers such as geography or time constraints.”

Online Help Opens Up New Doors Online counselling is playing a major role in providing a helping hand to those in need.

Operated by Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre, CounsellingOnline. org.au is an Australia-wide service.

The service started in 2005 and currently attracts around 60,000 thousand site visits, and provides close to 4000 one-on-one counselling sessions per year.

The website provides text based advice on alcohol or drug related issues from a professional counsellor – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, free of charge.

A combination of advancements in technology and the competing demands on people’s time due to work, family and other commitments makes CounsellingOnline.org.au an ideal service in the modern world.

Turning Point Director Professor Dan Lubman said the service was an important outlet for those needing help.

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“Counselling Online.org.au is a fantastic service for people who may be more comfortable going online for drug and alcohol support,” Professor Lubman said. “The flexibility and convenience of the internet means people can access a quality support service without barriers such as geography or time constraints.”

Professor Lubman said an additional benefit of a service like CounsellingOnline.org.au is its anonymity and confidentiality.

“Unfortunately, some people may feel there’s a stigma with drug and alcohol issues, and may not feel comfortable being seen as needing help”.

“CounsellingOnline.org.au provides an additional outlet where people may feel more comfortable and in control about who they are sharing their problems with.”

The text-based format of CounsellingOnline.org.au also allows

for reflection, with some people feeling more comfortable in front of a keyboard and being given a chance to gather their thoughts during the counselling process. To ensure a client’s privacy, CousellingOnline. org.au uses a secure internet system, employing Secure Socket Layering (SSL). While deidentified transcripts are used for professional supervision purposes, the service does not share a client’s personal information unless explicit permission is given. Professor Lubman urged people who may be concerned about their alcohol or drug use, or have concerns about a family member or friend, to log on to CounsellingOnline.org.au.

“No matter what part of the country you live in, we’re here to support those in need,” Professor Lubman said.

Article by Winston Tan, Media Liaison Officer, Easter Health.

For more details go to: CounsellingOnline.org.au

www.

Drug Use By Tasmanian Youth Adolescence and young adulthood is typically a time for exploration and experimentation of different ideas, lifestyles and identities. It can also be a time when people use substances such as alcohol, tobacco and other drugs for the first time.

People take substances for various reasons including; experimentation, social influences from peers or family, enjoyment, avoidance, risk taking, rites of passage, anxiety, depression, stress, and cultural influences.

Many people in the community use drugs in moderation and observe safe practices, but some young people take greater risks because they are still developing physically, mentally and emotionally.

Some signs that substance use may be becoming a problem and a risk to you include: •

• •

•

•

• • •

•

Not turning up or being frequently late for work or school Financial debt Reduced concentration, interest and reduced performance in daily activities Neglecting family and social obligations Deterioration in physical, emotional and/or mental wellbeing Drug dependence Relationship break down Getting into verbal or physical fights/arguments when intoxicated Drink driving

When substances are affecting your physical health, mental health, relationships with others, the ability to maintain employment/ education/important activities or getting you into trouble with the law, then you may want to consider seeking advice from a professional (GP, Youth Worker, Psychologist etc).

information, support, advocacy, referral and case-management.

The Link is also here to help!

The Link uses a harm reduction approach when working with young people. This approach aims to reduce the harms associated with drug use and acknowledges that not all young people will cease drug use completely.

The Link Youth Health Service (‘The Link’) assists young people to reduce the harms associated with their substance use through a range of strategies including assessment,

Level Up is a new program at The Link assisting young people (16-25 years) to reduce the harms caused by alcohol, tobacco and other drug use. Level Up provides on-going

support to encourage the young person to maintain positive changes.

The program as two professional Youth Health Workers who can develop individualised plans to assist the individual to meet their goals.

This may include skills development such as problem solving skills, time management, goal setting and assertiveness.

Article provided by The Link Youth Health Service. www.thelink.org.au

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“If another person uses the same snorting implement and injures the lining inside the nose, it could put them at risk of contracting a BBV.”

Does Snorting Put You At Risk Of Contracting A Blood-Borne Virus (BBV)?

The Hep in Tas program does not encourage or condone the use of illicit substances or the inappropriate use of prescription drugs. However, in accordance with a harm minimisation philosophy, where drug use does occur the program promotes harm reduction strategies to reduce drug-related harm to individuals and communities.

people at risk of various harms, one of which is contracting a Blood-borne Virus (BBV).

One of the possible harms associated with some methods of administering drugs is contracting a Blood-Borne Virus (BBV).

Snorting is often seen as less harmful than injecting, and while it is true that snorting is a safer way to administer drugs, it is by no means risk free.

Hepatitis B and C are viruses that live in blood and affect the liver. Hepatitis C is transmitted when the blood of a person infected with the virus gets into the bloodstream of someone else. Hepatitis B is transmitted blood to blood, sexually and from mother to baby.

There may be a risk of blood, and therefore BBV’s, transferring between snorters. The lining of the nose is quite delicate. It is does not take a lot to cause bleeding inside the nasal cavity. If another person uses the same snorting implement and injures the lining inside the nose, it could put them at risk of contracting a BBV. It only takes a tiny amount of blood, invisible to the naked eye, to contain

Most people are aware that injecting drugs can put

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The use of sterile injecting equipment markedly reduces many of the potential harms associated with injecting, including the risk of becoming infected with HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C.

enough viral load to infect another person. It is safer to use your own straw than to share someone else’s.

Wash your hands frequently.

If you think you may have been at risk contact your GP or local Sexual Health Service and ask to be tested. It can take up to 3 months from the date of exposure for there to be enough hepatitis C and HIV antibodies to be present in your blood to give an accurate result.

Accurate hepatitis B detection is possible after 4-6 weeks.

Article by Carolyn Hay, Hep In Tas Program Coordinator, TasCAHRD. For further information or to discuss any concerns you may have contact the Hep in Tas program.

Free call 1300 437 222 (1300 HEP ABC) www. hepintas.com

Do You Do Viagra, Amyl Or Crystal?

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“Mixing crystal, Viagra™ or amyl at the same time can have very serious health risks” Trying Viagra™ for crystal dick?

Has amyl become your “pick-meup” during weekend sex-fests? Some men are using crystal, amyl, and Viagra™ together. Using these drugs at the same time can cause serious problems.

To keep your party from ending in casualty or worse, here are some things to know about mixing these drugs into your sex play.

CRYSTAL (ICE): Crystal is a stimulant that ups your heart rate, and increases blood pressure.

It also floods your brain with chemicals that give you lots of energy. Crystal can boost sex drive, delay orgasm and heighten your sense of pleasure; but Crystal can also cause depression, sexual dysfunction, heart problems, psychosis, and long-term brain damage.

If you use crystal: • Eat, drink plenty of water, and get some sleep. That’s the first rule of safer speed use.

• Take frequent breaks from using.

Don’t get high every weekend or stay up past one or two days.

• If you inject, never share needles or equipment. Always use new, clean equipment.

• Watch for signs of addiction or problem use. Don’t wait to get help Have you used crystal for over a year and can’t get hard anymore?”

“Crystal dick” is common among crystal users. It’s most likely the result of vein damage and changes in brain chemicals that cause an erection. Will Viagra™ help? Reports from crystal users vary. Sometimes

taking a break from crystal does the trick. Before you start popping little blue wonder pills, talk to your doctor first!

VIAGRA™ Never use Viagra™ with amyl.

Together, these drugs can have a fatal effect on blood pressure and heart rate. Several deaths related to the overuse of Viagra™ have occurred.

Viagra™ (sildenafil) is used to treat the inability to get or keep a hard-on (Impotence). Viagra™ opens your blood vessels to let more blood flow into your penis. As a result, your blood pressure drops and your heart speeds up. This can cause dizziness, headaches, facial flushing or blue tinted vision. Take too much Viagra™ and you might feel breathless, have chest pains, or black out. You might also get an erection that won’t go down. This can be painful and cause long-term damage to penile tissue.

If you use Viagra™: • Get a prescription from your doctor.

Limit your dose to what your doctor recommends. This will help you avoid risky side effects.

• Give it time to work. Viagra™’ it takes about an hour to reach full effect.

• Absolutely avoid amyl. This combination is very dangerous and can be fatal. Don’t use Viagra™ and amyl together or within 24 hours of each other.

AMYL: Amyl is the name for “poppers”; liquid forms of amyl or butylnitrite.

Some guys inhale the fumes during sex to enhance orgasm, prolong sex, or relax their butt muscles for easier

penetration or fisting.

After a quick rush, you may feel light headed, nauseous, or flushed. Expect a slamming headache in the morning!

Amyl is not physically addictive, but you can develop a tolerance.

Amyl opens your blood vessels and can dramatically lower your blood pressure. Amyl also puts extra strain on your heart. Going overboard on amyl can increase your chance of heart attack. The chances are even higher when you add dancing, crystal, cocaine, Viagra™, or intense sex.

If you use Amyl: • Leave some time between whiffs.

Let yourself recover before taking another hit.

• Don’t let the liquid touch your nose, mouth, or skin and don’t swallow it. Amyl is a harsh chemical liquid that burns!

• Don’t confuse a bottle of amyl with GHB. GHB comes in little bottles like amyl but should not have a smell.

The danger lies in how these drugs affect your heart rate and blood pressure. Using two drugs together that both lower your blood pressure can cause fainting, unconsciousness, coma or even death. Using two drugs that speed up your heart can send your blood pressure zooming towards heart attack or stroke. Strenuous all-night dancing, intense sex, dehydration, and lack of sleep could make the problem worse.

Acknowledgment The article was reproduced with permission from Queensland Healthy Communities. To download or view a copy of the full resource titled 2 Mix or Not 2 Mix go to www.m2mtas.com.

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TASMANIAN GLBTI SE STATEWIDE Antidiscrimination Commission Assist in pursuing claims of discrimination on grounds of sexuality, gender identity etc. Located at Level 1, 54 Victoria Street Hobart.

PHONE: 03 6233 4841 OR 1300 305 062 EMAIL: antidiscrimination@justice.tas. gov.au WEB: www.antidiscrimination.tas.gov.au Bi-Tasmania Social and support group for bisexual Tasmanians CONTACT: 0401 054 003 GAMMA Gay and Married Men’s Assoication (NSW) A support group for men in or out of long term heterosexual relationships who are sexualily attaced to other men.

1800 804 617 or www.gamma.org.au Country Network Offers hospitality and friendship among rural GLBTI people to assist overcoming their social isolation.

CONTACT: Dave Arnold on 03 6228 4166 www.countrynetwork.com.au secretary@ countrynetwork.com.au Galstays Choices for the gay and lesbian traveler.

Visit www.galstays.com.au GALTA Australia’s gay & lesbian tourism organisation.

Visit www.galta.com.au Gay & Lesbian Travel Association Tasmania (GALTAT) Representing the gay and lesbian travel accommodation providers in Tasmania.

Visit www.galtat.com Gay & Lesbian Switchboard Confidential peer-based telephone counselling, information and referral service specifically for the GLBTI communities of Victoria & Tasmania.

PHONE: 1800 184 527 WEB: www.switchboard.org.au Gay Info Line 24hr recorded message service funded by GLC Centre PHONE: 03 6234 8179 GayTAS Website The leading gay online newspaper & information source for the Tasmanian GLBTI community. Visit http://gaytas.e-p. net.au GAYunities New social networking site for the Tasmanian gay community. Visit www. gayunities.com Indeed Supporting Tasmania’s relationship registry.

EMAIL: indeedrelationships@gmail.com WEB: www.relationshipstasmania.org. au/indeed.html

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League of Gentlefellows Regional social events for rainbow people in a safe and caring environment.

SOUTH: Julian Punch on 03 6239 6606 or julian@rainbowtas.org (Hobart) or David Sinclair on davids@rainbowtas.org (Kingborough/Huon) Donald McDonald on NORTH: donmac@rainbowtas.org NORTH WEST: Michael Allen on michael@ rainbowtas.org WEB: www.rainbowtas.org Rainbow Women Tas Social events for rainbow people in a safe and caring environment.

Deidre Murray on deidre@ EMAIL: rainbowtas.org or Belinda Miller on belinda@rainbowtas.org WEB: www.rainbowtas.org MAN2MAN Program Program run by TasCAHRD which aims to prevent the spread of HIV & STI’s among gay men and other men who have sex with men. This program incorporates the MAN2MAN magazine, MAN2MAN online outreach, volunteer program, venue outreach, as well as information & support. You will also find us in your favourite chatroom.

PHONE: 03 6234 1242 or 1800 005 900 EMAIL: m2m@tascahrd.org.au WEB: www.m2mtas.com Outright LGBTI Youth Group Social events for young rainbow people in a safe and caring environment.

CONTACT: Joshua Brown on josh@ rainbowtas.org for more details Parents and Friends of Lesbian and Gays (PFLAG) Currently do not have a Tasmanian representative but information is available at from the following; EMAIL: pflagtas@yahoo.com.au WEB: www.pflagaustralia.org.au QueerTas Tasmania’s GLBTI Yahoo group.

WEB: queertas-subscribe@yahoogroups. com.au Relationships Tasmania Info about the deed of relationships www. relationshipstasmania.org.au S.A.F.E Spirituality and Faith Exploration meet fortnightly for LGBTI people who wish to explore their spirituality.

CONTACT: Joc - 03 6228 6715 EMAIL: safetas@gmail.com WEB: www.care2.com/c2c/group/safetas Same Sex Travel A directory of same sex operated accommodation properties throughout Australia and New Zealand.

WEB: www.samesextravel.com Sexual Health Service Offers counselling, support, referrals and STI & HIV testing.

HOBART - 03 6233 3557 DEVONPORT - 03 6421 7759 BURNIE - 03 6434 6315 LAUNCESTON - 03 6336 2216 FREECALL NUMBER - 1800 675 859 EMAIL sexual.health@dhhs.tas.gov.au

TasCAHRD Tasmanian Council on AIDS, Hepatitis & Related Diseases including the MAN2MAN Program.

PHONE: 03 6234 1242 FREECALL INFORMATION LINE 1800 005 900 (9am - 5pm) EMAIL: mail@tascahrd.org.au WEB: www.tascahrd.org.au Rainbow Communities Tasmania Inc. (previously - Tasmanian Council for Sexual and Gender Diverse People Inc) Supporting GLBTI people to come out with pride and live in their communities as fully respected and participating members President: Nigel Saunders nigel@ rainbowtas.org Comming Out Proud Community Liaison Committee SOUTH: Robbie Moore (Greater Hobart) Robbie@rainbowtas.org or Brian Doran (Kingborough/Huon) brian@rainbowtas. org NORTH: Donald Mc Donald (Greater Launceston/East Coast) on donmac@ rainbowtas.org NORTHWEST: Roger Jaensch (NW/West Coast) on roger@rainbowtas.org WEB: www.rainbowtas.org Comming Out Proud Trust Small Grants Program CONTACT: Ashley Mathews on Ashley@ rainbowtas.org Outright Youth Advocacy Support Network for students in High Schools/Colleges & University CONTACT Joshua Brown the State Youth Coordinator on joshua@rainbowtas.org Tasmanian Council for Sexual and Gender Diverse People Inc Supporting GLBTI people to come out with pride and live in their communities as fully respected and participating members President: Jo Goodman/Nigel Saunders nigel@rainbowtas.org Comming Out Proud Community Liaison Committee SOUTH: Robbie Moore (Greater Hobart) Robbie@rainbowtas.org or Brian Doran (Kingborough/Huon) brian@rainbowtas. org NORTH: Donald Mc Donald (Greater Launceston/East Coast) on donmac@ rainbowtas.org NORTHWEST: Roger Jaensch (NW/West Coast) on roger@rainbowtas.org WEB: www.rainbowtas.org Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group (TGLRG) Is a community-based organisation campaigning for LGBTI human rights in Tasmania. TGLRG also have a stall at the Salamanca Markets every Saturday.

CONTACT 03 6224 3556 EMAIL rodney.croome@tglrg.org WEB: www.tglrg.org Tasmania Police LGBTI Liaison Officer’s HOBART – 03 6230 2111 LAUNCESTON – 03 6336 7000 NORTH WEST – 03 6434 5211 WEB: www.police.tas.gov.au/community/ community-policing/lgbt_liaison_officers

ERVICES AND GROUPS TasPride An organisation dedicated to celebrating and uniting the Tasmanian GLBTI community as well as bringing you the annual TasPride Festival. See GLC Centre for contact details.

WEB: www.taspride.com Working It Out Tasmania’s sexuality and gender support and education service which also provides counselling and support for LGBTI Tasmanians, their friends & family. Coordinate and implement antihomophobia & diversity education & training programs in schools, workplaces, government & NGO’s SOUTH – Ph: 03 6231 1200; Email: south@ workingitout.org.au NORTH – Ph: 03 6334 4013; Email: north@ workingitout.org.au NORTH-WEST – Ph: 03 6432 3643; Email: northwest@workingitout.org.au WEB – www.workingitout.org.au Working It Out Rainbow Support & Discussion Groups Support & discussion groups held statewide by Working It Out for GLBTI people HOBART – 0438 346 122 or info@ workingitout.org.au LAUNCESTON – Sharon 0419 361 128 or north@workingitout.org.au DEVONPORT - Sharon 0419 361 128 or north@workingitout.org.au BURNIE - Sharon 0419 361 128 or north@ workingitout.org.au Yahoo Tasmanian GLBTI Groups (Queertas, gayhobart, tassiecasualfun, womenupnorth, bitasmania, Allsortsqueeryouth, qsoc_tasmania, gaytassieguys, triplegtas, Tasgayguys, GayTasmania, taswomen2women) http:// groups.yahoo.com SOUTHERN Borderlines Hobart’s queer radio show every Monday at 10-12am on Edge Radio 99.3FM Flamingos Dance Bar Tasmania’s weekly club committed to providing a tolerant, safe, informative and fun environment for people of alternative sexualities and their friends to be able to enjoy themselves and socialize in a nonthreatening environment. Located at 201 Liverpool Street, Hobart. Online at www. flamingosbar.com and www.myspace. com/flamingosbar Gay and Lesbian Community Centre Inc (GLC Centre) GLC Centre or TasPride is Tasmania’s GLBTI social and community development group. A member-based organisation, GLC produces the TasPride Festival, hosts regular events, provides the Gay Information Line, and publishes a regular bulletin. Contact on info@taspride. com or online at www.taspride.com Hobart Social Events Group Through Working It Out Regular social events/dinners for GLBTI CONTACT: Marcus on 0457 071 646 EMAIL: macdougall_60@hotmail.com or info@workingitout.org.au

Les Girls Hobart GLBTI night club located at 101 Harrington Street, Hobart (formerly Mangoes Bar). With drag shows every weekend. Open every Friday & Saturday night. Free entry to all GLC members on display of membership card.

WEB: http://www.myspace.com/ lesgirlshobart or http://lesgirlshobart. blogspot.com EMAIL: xshowgirl@hotmail.com QSOC The Queer Uni Students Society in Hobart contactable via email at queerep@yahoo. com.au QSOC South UTAS Queer Students on Campus. Contact on: qsoc_south@hotmail.com Queery UTAS GLBTI Social Group New UTAS social group for queer students on campus and open to other GLBTI people which meet regularly at the UTAS Queer Space CONTACT: Alex West EMAIL: akwest@utas.edu.au or queerrep@hotmail.com Rodney Croome – Gay Activist Web Blog: www.rodneycroome.id.au Tasmania University Union (TUU) Sexuality Officer CONTACT: Alex West on akwest@utas. edu.au or queerrep@hotmail.com Wellington Wanderers GLBTIQ activity group which runs a yearround program of events.

CONTACT: 0447 225 682 or 03 6223 2690 POST: GPO Box 1872, Hobart Tas 7001 EMAIL: wellingtonwanderers@yahoo. com.au Working It Out Southern Trans Support & Discussion Group Monthly social gathering for anyone in the trans family.

PHONE: Sue on 6231 1200 EMAIL: accounts@workingitout.org.au NORTHERN Allsorts GLBTI and friends under 25 youth group meeting monthly in Launceston & Devonport through Working It Out North.

PHONE: 03 6334 4013 or 0419 361 128 EMAIL: north@workingitout.org.au Launceston GLBTI Social Events Group Through Working It Out Hosts regular social events and dinners for GLBTI people CONTACT: Sharon on 0419 361 128 EMAIL: north@workingitout.org.au Working It Out Northern Trans Support & Discussion Group Monthly social gathering for anyone in the trans family.

PHONE: Sharon on 0419 361 128 EMAIL: north@workingitout.org.au Northern Tasmanian Men’s Meetup Launceston based discreet social group of gay and bisexual men and their friends who meet regularly for meals, BBQ’s, drinks and other events.

EMAIL: northern.meetup@hotmail.com or info@meetup.com POST: Launceston Meetup, PO Box 7666, Launceston Tas. 7250 Tas Unity An ecumenical support and study group for LGBTI people, their friends, families and supporters.

PHONE: Lois on (03) 6339 1414 Transisters Community based social and support group for transgender women in Tasmania, meeting once a month in Launceston. WEB: http://groups.yahoo. com/group/transisters/ LGBTI Northern Social Events Bringing the LGBTI community together in a safe and social environment.

Contact Sami 0431 816 032 or Emai: samifryer@hotmail.com Stay in touch with upcoming events through www.logtas.org NORTH-WEST Allsorts GLBTI and friends under 25 youth group meeting monthly in Launceston & Devonport through Working It Out North West.

PHONE: 03 6432 3643 or 0419 361 128 EMAIL: northwest@workingitout.org.au Burnie Social Events Group Through Working It Out Hosts regular social events and dinners for GLBTI people CONTACT: Sharon on 0419 361 128 EMAIL: north@workingitout.org.au North West Same Sex Attracted Men’s Group Group for over 18’s meets monthly in Burnie.

PHONE: Layne on 0439 733 277 EMAIL: ramonshoebridge@live.com.au EAST COAST ECQLS East Coast Queer Life Support Is a support association in the NE to coordinate and provide services and social activities for GLBTI people.

EMAIL: ecqlstasmania@gmail.com OR CHECK OUT www.ecqls.org GAY-FRIENDLY CAFES •DS Coffee House, Red Velvet Lounge, Fleurty’s Café, Restaurant Waterloo, Mummy’s, Citrus Moon Café, Lebrina, Kusina, The Alley Cat, Republic Bar, Criterion Café, Sirens, Lansdowne Café, Retro Café, Machine Laundry Café, Jackman and McCross, Magnolia Café, Groovy Penguin, Fresh on Charles, Deloraine Deli, Kabuki by the Sea, O’Keefe’s Hotel, Stonies Fifties Café, Fitzpatrick’s Inn, The King of Burnie Hotel, Around The Corner Cafe, Tasmania Inn, Hotel SOHO, Hot Mothers Lounge, Restaurant Red, Pickled Evenings Indian Restaurant, Cafe Bozzey.

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Exploring Drug Use in Tasmania For more than a decade, a research team from the University of Tasmania, as part of a national study, has been conducting research with people who use drugs in Tasmania.

There are two companion studies run annually – one focuses on people who use ecstasy (the Ecstasy and related Drug Reporting Survey (EDRS)), and the other focuses on people who inject drugs (the Illicit Drug Reporting System (IDRS)).

The results of the study are used to help inform health

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service delivery, health policy, research, and to help services lobby for funding that can best meet the needs of drug consumers.

This data comes from the National Drug Strategy Household Survey, run by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

Ecstasy At a national level, ecstasy is the second most commonly used drug (following cannabis), and it is estimated that around 3% of all Australians over 14 have used the drug in the past year – and around 1 in 10 people who are aged between 20 and 29. In Tasmania, it has been estimated that 1.7% of Tasmanians over the age of 14 have used ecstasy in the past year.

Ecstasy and related Drug Reporting System (EDRS) survey: In 2011, the research team interviewed 75 people in Hobart who regularly used ecstasy..

This group of people tended to be ‘polydrug’ (multiple drug) users, as most had used cannabis, amyl nitrite, powder methamphetamine, alcohol, tobacco, benzodiazepines, LSD, cocaine, nitrous oxide, and

On average, these people were taking ecstasy fortnightly.

Pharmaceutical Opioids Almost 3 in 4 people interviewed had injected morphine in the previous six months, on average doing so twice a week.

In Hobart, tablets and capsules of ecstasy were available, and while people typically swallowed the drug, snorting was also common.

Over the last few years of these interviews, both the price and the number of people using morphine have been increasing.

People typically used ecstasy in combination with other drugs (most commonly alcohol, cannabis and tobacco).

Oxycodone is another type of pharmaceutical opioid which is often sold in tablets that look very similar to morphine tablets, but the drug is a little more potent (and therefore has more potential for overdose) than morphine.

mephedrone at some stage in the six months before we interviewed them.

In some cases, when you combine drugs they can have different health effects than if you take them alone.

It was common for people to drink a great deal of alcohol when taking ecstasy (more than 5 standard drinks).

This can have some negative effects but the most common issues are that you have an increased risk of dehydration when you combine alcohol with ecstasy; and that people tend to drink more alcohol without necessarily feeling as drunk.

While people mainly felt that ecstasy was easy for them to access, it appears to have become more difficult to get in recent years in Hobart, and the purity has declined.

“For more than a decade, a research team from the University of Tasmania, as part of a national study, has been conducting research with people who use drugs in Tasmania.”

Sexual Risk Behaviour Around 3 in 5 of the people interviewed for the EDRS participants had penetrative sex with a casual partner while under the influence of drugs (mainly alcohol, ecstasy, or cannabis) in the six months prior to the interview.

In Hobart, the use of Oxycodone among people that inject has been increasing in recent years, but it tends to be less commonly (and less frequently) used than morphine.

Of these, 1 in 4 never used protection with a casual partner and over half said they didn’t use any protection the last time they had a casual encounter.

Tablet drugs like these, which are usually ground into a powder and injected, can cause damage to injection sites and the circulatory system.

Injecting Drug Use Illicit Drug Reporting System (IDRS): One hundred people in Hobart were interviewed who regularly inject drugs for the IDRS survey in 2011.

Almost half were injecting every day; and most were using multiple drug types – typically pharmaceutical opioids (morphine, oxycodone), methamphetamines, cannabis, alcohol, and benzodiazepines (like Valium and Xanax).

Filters are available at needle and syringe programs in Tasmania that can remove most of these harmful particles if used properly.

Methamphetamine Around 3 in 4 people interviewed had used some type of methamphetamine (powder, base or crystal) in the previous six months.

On average, people were using this once a week.

Powder was the most common form used, and use of crystal has been steadily dropping over the last few years.

Prices for all forms have remained relatively unchanged in recent years.

Methamphetamine use among the participants in the IDRS study (and in the EDRS study) has been dropping since 2005.

This seems to be happening in the general population across the country as well.

In Tasmania in 2010, it has been estimated that around 1% of the general population aged over 14 had used the drug in the past year.

Injecting practices In the month before being interviewed around 1 in 12 people had used another person’s used needle/syringe.

Half of all the participants had reused their own injection equipment in this time.

These practices can be harmful – repeatedly using needles leaves them blunt, which can cause damage to the veins; and using unsterile equipment can transfer bacteria into the bloodstream, which can lead to local infections, septicaemia or endocarditis.

Sharing injecting equipment also greatly increases the chance of transmission of blood-borne viruses such as hepatitis C or HIV. There are Needle & Syringe Programs available across Tasmania that can provide sterile injecting equipment (mostly for free) as well as friendly advice on how to reduce risks associated with injecting.

If you want more information about either of these projects, you can find it at www.ndarc.unsw.edu.au Article by Barbara de Graaff Research Fellow, School of Psychology University of Tasmania

PAGE 11

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UPCOMING TASMANIAN TUESDAY 1 MAY 2012

WEDNESDAY 9 MAY 2012

SATURDAY 19 MAY 2012

Gender Identity support and discussion Groups

Gender Identity support and discussion Groups

LOG and Rainbow Tas, Saturday Roast Dinner

(Hobart)

(Launceston)

at Tolman’s Hill

For Trans, Intersex and people exploring what

For Trans, Intersex and people exploring what

John & Ashley of Tolman’s Hill invite you

gender means to them.

gender means to them.

to share their spectacular home for a late

Phone 6231 1200 or 0438 346 122 for more

Phone Sharon 0419 361 128

Sundowner afternoon 5.00pm - 10.00pm. RSVP

information or email info@workingitout.org.au

for more information

Julian on 62396606

or email north@workingitout.org.au SUNDAY 20 MAY 2012

WEDNESDAY 2 MAY 2012 Allsorts LGBTI friendly Youth Groups

TUESDAY 15 MAY 2012

Connect4life social events monthly walks

for under 26

ATDC 2012 Challenging Conversations:

RSVP Sharon 0419 361 128

Hosted by WIO at “The Zone” in Devonport:

Creating an inclusive system.

or email north@workingitout.org.au

Phone Sharon 0419 361 128 for more

For Conference enquiries call Christine Murphy

information or

- Conference Manager. Alcohol, Tobacco &

THURSDAY 31 MAY 2012

email north@workingitout.org.au

Other Drugs Council on (03) 6224 7780.

Allsorts LGBTI friendly Youth Groups

THURSDAY 3 TO SATURDAY 5 MAY 2012

Allsorts LGBTI friendly Youth Groups

Hosted by WIO in Launceston

Visit the Working It Out display...

for under 26 (Hobart)

Phone Sharon 0419 361 128 for more

OUT at Agfest 2012

Hosted by WIO in Hobart

information

You can find us there in the marquee with

Phone 6231 1200 or 0438 346 122

or email north@workingitout.org.au

Relationships Australia and Rural Financial

for more information

Counselling Service (near the farm artwork by

or email info@workingitout.org.au

for under 26 (Launceston)

Rainbow Groups for 18yrs + (Launceston) Phone Sharon 0419 361 128 for more info

schools area). Drop by and say “Hi”.

WEDNESDAY 16 MAY 2012

or email north@workingitout.org.au

SATURDAY 5 MAY 2012

ATDC 2012 Challenging Conversations:

Deloraine Deli monthly brunch

Creating an inclusive system.

SATURDAY 2 JUNE 2012

First Saturday of the month

For Conference enquiries call Christine Murphy

Deloraine Deli monthly brunch

from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

- Conference Manager. Alcohol, Tobacco &

First Saturday of the month from 11am - 1pm

Women only (table booked in the name of Ros)

Other Drugs Council on (03) 6224 7780.

Women only (table booked in the name of Ros) 36 Emu Bay Rd (the main drag), Deloraine.

36 Emu Bay Rd (the main drag), Deloraine.

Rainbow Groups for 18yrs + (Burnie) SUNDAY 6 MAY 2012

Phone Sharon 0419 361 128

SUNDAY 3 JUNE 2012

KING OF BURNIE HOTEL DINNER

for more information

KING OF BURNIE HOTEL DINNER

& FREE GLBTI MOVIES

or email north@workingitout.org.au

& FREE GLBTI MOVIES 4pm & 7.30pm movies & 6pm dinner

4pm & 7.30pm movies & 6pm dinner RSVP for dinner or drop in on the day

FRIDAY 18 MAY 2012

RSVP for dinner or drop in on the day for a

for a drink or movie.

Rainbow Groups for 18yrs + (Hobart)

drink or movie.

2 course Smorgasbord $20 per head.

Phone 6231 1200

2 course Smorgasbord $20 per head.

RSVP Sharon 0419 361 128

or 0438 346 122 for more information or email

RSVP Sharon 0419 361 128 or north@

or north@workingitout.org.au

info@workingitout.org.au

workingitout.org.au

MONDAYS: “TOM, DICK & HARRIET” QUEER RADIO, 10-12NOON Hobart’s Sexuality & Gender Issues Radio Show on Edge Radio 99.3FM

PAGE 14

EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT, THE

EVERY SECOND TUESDAY NIGHT

LEAGUE OF GENTLEFELLOWS

CASTRO - THE LEAGUE OF

Meets every Friday at the Tasmanian Inn. Contact Julian

GENTLEFELLOWS Meets every second Tuesday (starting from 7th February) for meet and greet evenings,

on 6239 6606 or

at The Manhattan Wine Bar in Launceston

Email: jpunch@tassie.net.au

from 17:00 to 18:30. Phone/Text Sami on 0431 816 032 or just show up.

N GLBTI EVENTS TUESDAY 5 JUNE 2012

TUESDAY 19 JUNE 2012

Gender Identity support and discussion Groups

Allsorts LGBTI friendly Youth Group

(Hobart)

for under 26 (Hobart)

For Trans, Intersex and people exploring what

Hosted by WIO in Hobart

gender means to them.

Phone 6231 1200 or 0438 346 122 for more

Phone 6231 1200 or 0438 346 122 for more

information or email info@workingitout.org.au

Who’s New At Man2Man?

information or email info@workingitout.org.au WEDNESDAY 20 JUNE 2012 WEDNESDAY 6 JUNE 2012

Rainbow Groups for 18yrs + (Burnie)

Allsorts LGBTI friendly Youth Groups

Phone Sharon 0419 361 128 for more

for under 26 (Burnie)

information or email north@workingitout.

Hosted by WIO in Burnie

org.au

Phone Sharon 0419 361 128 for more information or email

THURSDAY 28 JUNE 2012

north@workingitout.org.au

Allsorts LGBTI friendly Youth Groups for under 26 (Launceston)

WEDNESDAY 13 JUNE 2012

Hosted by WIO in Launceston

Gender Identity support and discussion Groups

Phone Sharon 0419 361 128 for more

(Launceston)

information or email north@workingitout.

For Trans, Intersex and people exploring what

org.au

gender means to them.

Phone Sharon 0419 361 128 for more

Rainbow Groups for 18yrs + (Launceston)

information or email

Phone Sharon 0419 361 128

north@workingitout.org.au

for more information or email north@workingitout.org.au

FRIDAY 15 JUNE 2012 Rainbow Groups for 18yrs + (Devonport)

JULY (DATE TBC)

Phone Sharon 0419 361 128

MAN2MAN LIVE & LOCAL DINNERS

for more information

IN TASMANIA

or email north@workingitout.org.au

Join Man2Man for a topical discussion session over dinner.

Rainbow Groups for 18yrs + (Hobart)

Contact Brian Morris on (03) 6234 1242 or

Phone 6231 1200 or 0438 346 122

email: m2m@tascahrd.org.au for a location

for more information

and more details. Numbers are limited.

or email info@workingitout.org.au

SUNDAY 17 JUNE 2012 Connect4life social events monthly walks RSVP Sharon 0419 361 128 or north@workingitout.org.au

CONVERSATIONS DINNER Hosted by the HepinTas Program at TasCAHRD For more details contact Carolyn on (03) 6234 1242

Michael (Mike) Plaister Joining the M2M team as our new parttime Project Officer is Michael (Mike) Plaister.

Mike brings with him a background in health and education service delivery in Tasmania, having worked for over 30 years in the Tasmanian Departments’ of Education, Health and Human Services.

During the late 1980’s and 90’s Mike worked and trained in Education, Health and Wellbeing Promotion on the North West Coast of Tassie; he was active in the Men’s Health movement at that time and in the Community Health Association of Tasmania. For a short time he was Vice President of the then AIDS Council of Tasmania. These interests saw Mike return to Hobart where he worked for planning and policy development at both a State and National level in Population and Primary Health. His interest remains in fostering a positive lifestyle and better health for young people in particular.

As he says ...”investing in our youth is about investing in our future.”

As a gay man with two young children and coming out at the height of the Gay Law Reform debate in the 90’s on the North West Coast, Mike has some interesting tales to tell of the challenges he and others faced. Mike and his partner of 10 years share a life at a beach side suburb of Hobart, and also share their life with five wonderful nowadult children and (soon to be) two grandchildren.

After taking early retirement due to illness, Mike has rejoined the workforce and we are pleased to have him join the M2M project and team TasCAHRD until June 2012. Now, with more time on his hands he looks forward to catching up with old and new acquaintances who connect with the work of MAN2MAN. Mike can be contacted at 319 Liverpool Street, Hobart, on (03) 62341242 or by email at mplaister@tascahrd.org.au.

PAGE 15

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