ARK Insights

06/06/2026

08/05/2026

24/04/2026

15/04/2026

What do we know about co***ne and its effects?

Co***ne affects the brain and body quickly because it speeds up messages travelling between the brain and body.

It can make someone feel confident or energetic, but it also raises heart rate and risk of harm. People can have very different reactions.

Learn more about co***ne below 👇

03/04/2026

30/03/2026

NSW Health is warning the community about the dangers of unexpected drugs in co***ne, following six recent opioid overdoses in Sydney and western NSW.

Of the six people across NSW who presented to hospital in March with suspected opioid overdose after using substances they thought to be co***ne, one has required treatment in an intensive care unit.

Some of the people who presented to hospital were known to each other. Blood or urine testing of some of these people has shown that opioids such as he**in were present with co***ne.

Medical Director of the NSW Poisons Information Centre, Dr Darren Roberts, said it is important people recognise the signs of an opioid overdose early and know how to respond.

“Opioids such as he**in can cause pin-point pupils, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, slowed breathing/snoring and skin turning blue/grey and can be life-threatening,” Dr Roberts said.

“One of the dangers of illicit drug supply is the contents and strength of the substance you are getting is uncertain and can be inconsistent. Opioids such as he**in can be sold as or found in co***ne, methamphetamine, and M**A (ecstasy).
You cannot always tell the difference between these drugs by appearance. People who use drugs such as co***ne, methamphetamine, M**A or opioids should carry naloxone.”

If you witness someone experiencing any unexpected symptoms after using drugs, you should call Triple Zero (000) immediately or seek urgent medical attention. Naloxone should be given immediately if available.

Naloxone is an important life-saving medication that reverses the effects of opioids. It does not require a prescription and is free for anyone at risk of opioid overdose in NSW.

It is available as an easy to use nasal spray or injection from some pharmacies and other health services. For more information on the take-home naloxone program, visit: https://yourroom.health.nsw.gov.au/getting-help/Pages/Naloxone.aspx.

NUAA can mail you naloxone in a discreet package. Order via their online shop: https://shop.nuaa.org.au/ or call (02) 9171 6650.

You won't get into trouble for seeking medical care. If you feel unwell, or if your friend feels unwell, do something about it.

Anyone who has concerns about adverse effects from drugs should contact the NSW Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26, at any time 24/7, or visit: https://www.poisonsinfo.nsw.gov.au/

For support and information on drug and alcohol problems, contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service on 1800 250 015. This is a 24/7 service offering confidential and anonymous telephone counselling and information. For more information, visit: https://www.svhs.org.au/our-services/list-of-services/alcohol-drug-service/alcohol-drug-information-service

NSW public drug warnings can be found here: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/drugalerts

27/03/2026

12/02/2026

09/02/2026

67 likes, 3 comments. “Dr Marianne Jauncey and Professor Jonathan Brett explain what to watch for following the latest M**A health alert. Remove stigma and start the conversation. Follow for more ways to stay informed and keep loved ones safe.”

06/02/2026

NSW Health is warning the public of multiple high-dose M**A (ecstasy) tablets in circulation in NSW, found to contain a higher dose than is usually expected.

The tablets have been detected by the NSW Government’s Drug Checking service at multiple music festivals across Sydney and the Central Coast throughout the Summer period.

Some tablets have also been found to contain dipentylone, a synthetic cathinone with stimulant effects.

NSW Health has previously warned the community about the circulation of high-dose M**A tablets however the ongoing detection of these tablets has prompted further warning.

Images and information available here: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/drugalerts

Medical Director of the NSW Poisons Information Centre, Dr Darren Roberts said although detection has primarily been in Sydney and on the Central Coast, the tablets could be in circulation anywhere across the state.

“We are concerned about the prolonged detection of these high-dose M**A tablets and are urging the community to be aware and vigilant, particularly for those people attending major festivals over the next few weeks.”

“M**A can cause severe agitation, raised body temperature, seizures or fits, irregular heart rhythm and death,” Dr Roberts said.

“The risk of serious harm is increased when M**A is taken with other stimulants including synthetic cathinones, amphetamines and if high amounts (including multiple doses) are consumed over a short period.”

“The amount of M**A in a tablet or capsule can vary significantly, even within the same batch.”

“Hot environments, such as at music festivals, also increase the risk of harm from M**A. Taking a break from dancing, seeking shade and drinking water are important measures to reduce the risk of overheating.”

“It’s also very important to remember if you or a friend has taken drugs and feel unwell, you won't get into trouble for seeking medical care. If you or a friend feel unwell, please seek help immediately by calling Triple Zero (000).”

Drug checking services, experienced onsite medical providers and teams of well-trained peer volunteers from programs such as DanceWize NSW (www.dancewizensw.org.au) and ACON Rovers (www.acon.org.au/what-we-are-here-for/alcohol-drugs/) are available to provide support at many major festivals. Other event staff are also trained to help patrons.

For more information about participating festivals and accessing drug checking services, see NSW drug checking trial: www.health.nsw.gov.au/aod/programs/Pages/drug-checking-trial.aspx

For more information about staying safe, including the warning signs to seek help, see Stay OK at Music Festivals (https://yourroom.health.nsw.gov.au/getting-help/Pages/Stay-OK.aspx)

For information about the potential adverse effects of M**A, please contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 or https://www.poisonsinfo.nsw.gov.au/.

For support and information with alcohol, M**A and other drugs, please contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service on 1800 250 015 or (www.svhs.org.au/our-services/list-of-services/alcohol-drug-service/alcohol-drug-information-service). This is a 24/7 service offering confidential and anonymous telephone counselling and information.

NSW users and AIDS Association (NUAA) (https://nuaa.org.au/) also provides a range of harm minimisation resources and advice and can be reached on 1800 644 413.

NSW public drug warnings are available at https://yourroom.health.nsw.gov.au/getting-help/Pages/Stay-OK.aspx.