Monitoring Community Signals of Potent Synthetic Opioids
Why This Matters
Synthetic opioids like fentanyl and nitazenes are driving a new wave of overdose risk—often appearing unexpectedly in the drug supply. Real-time information about these substances is critical for saving lives.
This project is tracking reports of overdoses, unexpected drug reactions, and home drug testing results to detect early warning signs and trigger rapid public health responses. When concerning patterns emerge, a dedicated team with wide reaching connections to the harm reduction sector is ready to act—immediately mobilising support, outreach, and intervention efforts. This is about getting ahead of a potential crisis. The information you provide can help prevent overdoses and protect lives.
Who Should Share Information?
We need insights from those directly affected and working on the frontline. You can participate if you:
- Witnessed an overdose or unexpected drug reaction
- Have used a home drug testing kit and detected synthetic opioids
- Work with people who use drugs and have heard reports of overdoses or drug supply changes (e.g., harm reduction outreach workers, NSP staff, AOD clinicians, community support workers)
- Have any other relevant information about synthetic opioids in the community
Your input fuels real-time action. The faster we detect emerging risks, the better we can respond.
How to Participate
Complete a short online survey (5–15 minutes) to report an event. Participation is voluntary and confidential, and you may remain anonymous.
Investigators
- Professor Suzanne Nielsen (Chief Investigator), Monash University
- Dr Jennifer Schumann, Department of Forensic Medicine
- Dr Tina Lam, Monash University
Funding and Ethics
This study is NHMRC-funded and approved by the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (MUHREC) (Project ID: 45548).
More Information
For questions, contact:
Email - suzanne.nielsen@monash.edu