Reducing harm, together

August 5, 2025

Anglicare’s Needle and Syringe Program outlets are stocking a new form of Take Home Naloxone (THN), a free medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

THN is designed to be used by community members — including friends, family, and peers — in an overdose emergency, before medical help arrives. It’s been available as a nasal spray for several years now and has potentially saved the lives of some 100 Tasmanians since it was made free at Needle and Syringe Program outlets in July 2020.

Since February, Anglicare’s NSP outlets have also provided Prenoxad, a new form of THN that is injectable. It’s administered intramuscularly and contains five doses, offering broader protection in overdose situations.

The increasing presence of strong synthetic opioids like fentanyl and nitazenes in our community means that having access to multiple doses in one kit is a vital tool for saving lives.

“We began distributing Prenoxad in February 2025, and it has already been well received by clients,” said Anglicare NSP worker Oscar.

“Between February and June this year we’ve dispensed 40 boxes at our Glenorchy NSP and 24 boxes at the Hobart NSP. We’re continuing to monitor the uptake and impact, and we would find it really useful if members of the community gave us their feedback,” he said.

Oscar said Anglicare’s NSPs are staffed by friendly, non-judgemental professionals who understood their local community.

“NSPs are safe and welcoming. People can choose to simply drop in to collect sterile injecting equipment and THN supplies, or stay for a chat. NSP staff are trained to demonstrate how to use Naloxone in both the nasal spray and injectable forms. We provide detailed instructions when handing it out, and we’re always happy to have a chat with anyone who wants to learn more about Naloxone or overdose reversal.

The support that we provide to individuals and their families also prevents the spread of blood-borne viruses in the wider community. Together, we’re building a stronger, more responsive harm reduction network.

Did you know?

Most overdoses in Tasmania involve opioids, which are drugs derived from the poppy plant. Anyone who takes opiates, either recreationally or as part of a pharmaceutical prescription for pain relief, is at risk of accidental overdose.

Most overdoses are caused by a prescription medicine, rather than an illicit drug such as heroin. Prescription medicines in the opioid family include morphine, codeine, tramadol, buprenorphine, methadone and fentanyl.

The Drug Trends program at the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, which has input from the University of Tasmania, reports that there were 48 drug-induced deaths in 2023 in Tasmania. 62% were men, and most (33%) were in the 45-54 age bracket.

The Annual Overdose Report published in 2024 by the Penington Institute reports that Australia-wide in 2022, there were 2,356 drug-induced deaths. Of these, 80% or 1,878 were unintentional, which is higher than the road toll (1,276 deaths). 70% were male, and most were in the 50-59 age bracket.

Would you know what to do?

These are the typical signs of an overdose:

The person is not breathing.
The person is breathing, but it is shallow and/or erratic.
The person’s fingertips and/or lips have turned blue or grey. This indicates there is not enough oxygen reaching the brain.
There is no response at all when you try and wake the person up.

What you need to do:

Call an ambulance immediately, and administer Naloxone. It’s important to remember that Naloxone is a temporary reversal – its effects usually last 60–90 minutes, and an overdose can return once it wears off. That’s why it’s critical to get medical help, even if the person wakes up. You need to stay with the person until the ambulance arrives.

Save the date: International Overdose Awareness Day

International Overdose Awareness Day is held each year on 31 August. Anglicare marks it by sharing information on ways to prevent overdose, and providing people with an opportunity to remember a loved one who has died.