HOW CAN I USE MY EXPERIENCE WITH PROBLEM DRUG USE TO HELP OTHERS?

You can complete a series of online surveys and give your opinion on topics such as ‘how to talk to someone about their drug use’, ‘how to encourage the person to seek professional help’ and ‘how to manage an overdose’.

WHAT IS A DRUG PROBLEM?

The harmful use of cannabis, amphetamine, ecstasy, cocaine or heroin.

AM I ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE?

You are eligible if you fulfil the following criteria:

You have personally had a problem with drug use but are currently functioning well and are in an advocacy role. (We will refer to past users as ‘Consumers’).

You have cared for someone with drug problems and are now in an advocacy role. (‘Carers’ are often family members, friends or other loved ones).

You are over 18 years and from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand,the United Kingdom or the United States.

WHAT IS AN ADVOCACY ROLE?

By advocacy role we mean “having represented the interests of drug users or their carers within the community, so that you have an understanding of problem drug use beyond your own personal experience”. For example, you may have:

Spoken publicly about your experience as a consumer or carer,
Facilitated self-help groups for other consumers or carers, or
Participated on Drug and Alcohol service user boards or committees.

WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO RECEIVE AMAZON VOUCHERS?

Email Zoe Shearer at zshearer@unimelb.edu.au for a brief description of how your experience as a consumer or carer fits the eligibility criteria. If you are eligible, you will receive an Amazon gift voucher, valued at AUD$33, for each round of the survey you complete. Completion of:

      1 Round = AUD$33 Amazon voucher
      2 Rounds = AUD$66 Amazon voucher
      3 Rounds = AUD$99 Amazon voucher

This project is being conducted by the Mental Health First Aid team at Melbourne University. You can check us out at www.mhfa.com.au. We will be using your survey responses to put together ‘First Aid Guidelines for Problem Drug Use’. This is more fully explained in the PDF below.

(105 kb)

If you would like to participate in these online surveys, and receive an AUD$33 Amazon gift voucher for each round, please email Zoe Shearer at zshearer@unimelb.edu.au explaining how your experience fits the eligibility criteria.