Recovering Warrnambool drug addict believes medication will save lives

Belinda Unmack, from Warrnambool in Victoria's south west, got hooked on ice after she started taking it with her boyfriend at the time.

While in the grips of her addiction, she witnessed someone have an overdose.

"It was very scary," Ms Unmack said.

"I was with a group of people and we called an ambulance."

Ms Unmack said the person was revived by paramedics, but she knows not everyone can be saved.

That's why she is fully supportive of the medication Naloxone.

It is available as an intranasal device (Nyxoid) and can completely reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

"I wholeheartedly believe it will save lives," Ms Unmack said.

She has been in recovery for several years.

Ms Unmack's comments come as Western Region Alcohol and Drug Centre operations manager Mark Powell said he was concerned not enough people knew about the medication.

"If you take opioids for any reason or experiment with drugs, or know someone that does, you can access Naloxone via a prescription from your doctor," Mr Powell said.

"At WRAD we offer a training session on how to use Naloxone effectively as a first aid intervention for overdose through our peer overdose prevention program."

IN OTHER NEWS:

Naloxone reverses the effects of opioids and provides opportunities for overdoses to be treated immediately. It can be administered while waiting for an ambulance.

"You can do no harm by administering Nyxoid but you can potentially save a life if the cause is an opioid overdose," Mr Powell said.

Every day in Australia, nearly 150 hospitalisations and 14 emergency department presentations involve opioid harm and three people die from drug-induced deaths involving opioid use.

"These are preventable deaths," Mr Powell said.

"The federal government has recognised this and made available access to Naloxone that reverses the effects of overdose."

WRAD will hold workshops for interested family members individuals or community members.

Call WRAD on 55645777 or email wrad@wrad.org.au for more information.