Illustration of leaves
Illustration of pills
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Thisisthestoryof
 goingtothedoctor,
togetascriptfilled.

While that may sound a little mundane for a whole podcast series - for some, this simple act is far from normal. In this series, we use real stories from drug-users and medical professionals as an opportunity for shared understanding. Our aim is to create better communication and clinical interactions between drug users and medical professionals. To achieve a normal day.

We would love to hear your feedback on 'A Normal Day'.
Click this link to fill out a short questionnaire.

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Episode 1

Justasign

“There's signs and signals which we all know that tell people whether you're managing or not, so you get to know what they are and you make sure you present them.” Jude


Go to resource: AIVL Stigma and Discrimination Report 2015
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Episode 2

Atypicaldayin
thewaitingroom

"Throughout everyone's everyday lives, their encounters with people is somewhat optimistic. We give people the benefit of the doubt. For someone like me, the assumption is the opposite." Christian (Drug User)


Go to resource: The Role of Physicians’ Attitudes
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Episode 4

Thesimpleact
ofrenewing
ascript

“I don't really like I guess the idea of people running in and running out and just getting a script, because I don't see that as being what we stand for in being a thorough GP.” David (GP)


Go to resource: Community pharmacist knowledge, attitudes
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Resources

We would love to hear your feedback on 'A Normal Day'.
Click this link to fill out a short questionnaire.

AIVL has a wide range of resources available for use by GPs as well as people who use drugs. These can be found at www.aivl.org.au/resource/

You can also download an overiew of AIVL and its services here.

Below are a range of resources produced by AIVL and other experts that complement the issues presented in this podcast series and support you in your practice.

Communication and Managing the Clinical Relationship
AIVL Stigma and Discrimination Report 2015
The extent of discrimination against people who use illicit drugs may be decreasing in some areas, but change is slow, and the fact that discrimination is often based on a lack of knowledge or misunderstanding does not make it acceptable.

Injecting in the Real World
Providing support for drug users who need to access sterile drug injecting equipment. Acknowledging patients best intentions while recognising the reality of their lived constraints.

Statement and position paper on language, identity, inclusivity and discrimination
INPUD is a global network that advocates for the human rights of people who use drugs. As with earlier movements for equality - notably those relating to gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality and disability - language is one domain through which identity is expressed and where oppression may arise.

Journalists Stigma
This is a resource for journalist’s and other people writing the drug and alcohol space, it outlines word and phrases that are not pejorative or stigmatising. It also provides some information on the some of the most egregious misinformation that is being perpetuated by journalists in relation to drugs and drug use.
Assessment and Treatment
General practice and public health: who is my patient?
GPs have an important role in public health both through individual patient care and by engaging with public health issues at local, community and global levels. Adopting a population perspective to healthcare is an important part of modern general practice.

Under the watchful eye of ‘a benevolent dictator’
General practitioner and patient experiences of hepatitis C treatment initiation and shared-care in general practice.

Taking Blood Samples in a Health Care Environment
Tips to help with Blood Tests on Damaged Veins or How to get Blood out of a Stone.

Safer Injecting
Over time constant injecting results in scarring and vein collapse. If you want more information on these issues access the AIVL Vein Care guide.

The Role of Physicians’ Attitudes
The Role of Physicians’ Attitudes and the Provision of Hepatitis C Virus Treatment to People Who Inject Drugs.
Prescribing and Pharmacies
Community pharmacist knowledge, attitudes and confidence regarding naloxone for overdose reversal.
With the rescheduling of naloxone this paper looked at the pharmacist support for overdose prevention, any barriers or facilitators for naloxone supply and finally knowledge of naloxone administration. The results were positive but highlighted the need for training.

Pharmacies little helper
All you need to know about harm reduction services.
General Information
EMCDDA – Drug Profiles
Website outlining different drugs – brief synopsis and full background.

National Drug Strategy Household Survey
An analysis of the results of illicit drug use from the National Drug Strategy Household Survey.