Established in 1995, Anex is an independent, not-for-profit health organisation dedicated to reducing the harms associated with drug use, including, injecting drug use, alcohol misuse, and pharmaceutical substance misuse. Anex upholds the Australian government’s commitment to harm reduction as an essential element of its harm minimisation strategy on drugs.
Anex does not condone drug use but works to protect people from drug-related harm when at their most vulnerable.
Anex was founded from a network of public health service providers. Our initial focus was on the efficacy of needle and syringe programs (NSPs) to minimise the risks associated with the intravenous use of illegal drugs such as heroin. Over time our research activity has expanded to formulate policies and best practice aimed at reducing the harm inherent in all forms of dangerous drug use. Of recent concern is the widespread ingestion of a combination of substances, many of them legally available.
We seek to increase society’s capacity to deal with these problems. Training programs, the Anex Bulletin and discussion forums for the exchange of up-to-date developments assist service workers.
Anex aims to improve the general community’s understanding of drugs and drug-related issues by providing accurate information.
For many people, ceasing problematic drug or alcohol use is not always possible. Anex sees it as vital, that feasible and accessible options are provided to help reduce the risks associated with their use. We actively promote, through training, research and policy, harm reduction strategies that work to lessen adverse health, social and economic consequences.
We work independently and collaboratively to identify specific harms and their causes. Our work is evidence based and tailored to address identified risks and harms to the individual, families and their community.