Peptide users overwhelm charities that offer free, safe syringes

T : Drugs Directions Health Services acting chief executive Stephanie Stephens says the service is restricting equipment. (ABC News: Ian Cutmore) Directions Health Services says its resources are being stretched. (ABC News: Ian Cutmore) Peptides are short chains of amino acids that make up proteins in our bodies. There are a number of peptide-based medicines that are approved (TGA), but many other products are unregulated. "I think a core thing with the peptide interest is this wish [for people] to have a quick solution, a bit of a silver bullet whether it's to weight loss, to beauty, to recovery," Ms Stephens said. "And while we love responding to new community groups and people who we can work with to reduce harms — and there are unique harms associated with peptide use — we're also concerned about the pressure that puts on our supply. "We know that people are often buying these unregulated peptides through social media, so if they're in a position to also be buying the sharps, the syringes they need … we'd suggest they take that course of action." She said NSPs needed to preserve their stock for "marginalised communities, such as [intravenous] drug users." Suppliers can't meet stock orders The service is able to gauge the rise in peptide use because staff ask clients what the last drug they injected was. NSP team leader Tammy Waters said most people were "really honest". "They tell us if they're using steroids, peptides, heroin, ice, or anything … [but] they don't have to answer," she said. Directions Health Services needle and syringe program team leader Tammy Waters says the objective is harm minisation. (ABC News: Ian Cutmore) Ms Waters said staff at the service build a strong rapport with clients, who were able to present anonymously. "Sometimes they don't even come in for equipment; they come in because they feel it's a safe place to come, they feel they can talk to us … to not be judged, stigmatised," she said. "A hello and a goodbye is a big difference in some of our clients' days." She said NSPs also have food, clothing, and can link people with other health services. Directions Health Services says social media promotion is driving up demand for free injectables. (ABC News: Ian Cutmore) Ms Waters said the uptick in peptide use had put pressure on NSPs nationwide, with suppliers unable to fulfil orders.