Victorian Pill Testing Service

Victoria's mobile pill testing service is rolling out at 10 festivals across the state.

What is pill testing?

Pill testing, also known as drug checking, helps people make safer choices by showing them what's really in their drugs. When people are provided with accurate information, they can make safer, more informed choices.

Drug checking equipment can test the makeup of most pills, capsules, powders, crystals or liquids. It can identify harmful substances, including dangerous synthetic opioids, like fentanyl and nitazenes.

Some substances like plants or diluted solutions may not be suitable for testing.

Victoria has seen a rise in drug-related emergency department admissions and overdose deaths involving novel synthetic drugs.

About half of Australian adults have used drugs at some point in their lives. With new and highly potent drugs circulating, the risk of serious harm and overdose is increasing.

Pill testing can detect life-threatening substances and reduce potential harms by giving people the information they need to make informed decisions.

Victoria's approach to harm reduction puts people's health and safety first.

Evidence shows that pill testing doesn't encourage people to use drugs. It allows people to see what's really in their substances and make informed, safer choices.

How does pill testing work?

The pill testing service is free, confidential and anonymous.

When you arrive at the service you will be asked to provide a small sample of your drugs. This is usually a tiny scraping of a pill or a bit of powder that a chemist will analyse.

A trained healthcare worker will talk to you about the results of the substance you had tested and provide tailored health and harm reduction advice.

The talk may include information about:

• what the substance is made of, including the presence of any poisons, controlled substances or drugs of dependence
• the possible consequences of using the drug and how to reduce the harms the substance may cause
• how the substance may interact with prescription medications and existing health conditions
• how to access health services or other supports.

Pill testing does not make drugs safe and using drugs may still harm your health, even if you get them checked.

For many, this will be the first time they've had a chance to talk openly with a health professional about drug use in a confidential, legal, judgement-free space.

You will not get into trouble for using the pill testing service as it is legal to use.

Pill testing at music festivals

Victoria's mobile pill testing service will operate at 10 festivals and events during an 18-month trial.

During the 2024-25 music festival season, the mobile service supported more than 1500 people and tested close to 1400 samples across 5 events:

• Beyond the Valley Festival
• Hardmission
• Pitch Music and Arts Festival
• Ultra
• The Warehouse Project

The service's focus on harm reduction is working. For 65% of service users, it was the first time they had ever spoken to a health professional about drug and alcohol safety. Almost one in 3 people said they would take a smaller amount after having this conversation.

For detailed drug checking reports, see The Loop Australia.

The 2025-26 festivals will be announced later in the year.

Pill testing service in Fitzroy

The Victorian Pill Testing Service is due to open at 95 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy by August 2025.

The free, confidential and anonymous pill testing service will be open to all, and can test the make-up of most pills, capsules, powders, crystals or liquids.

With free, non-judgemental advice and drug checking support, people can better understand the risks and make safer, more informed choices.

Opening hours will be finalised closer to the launch of the service. The service will initially operate as a trial for 12 months.

How to reduce the risk of overdose

If you plan to use drugs, take steps to protect yourself:

• Take a small amount first and wait until you feel the effects before you decide whether to take more or not. Start low and go slow. Time of onset and effects can vary.
• Stay hydrated, especially in hot weather. Drink water and hydrolytes regularly.
• Don't use alone – be with someone and watch out for each other. If someone feels unwell, find help straight away. You won’t get into trouble if you ask for help.
• Overheating, confusion, or trouble breathing are red flags. Get help quickly.
• Set limits and know where to go for help before you need it.

All drug use comes with risks, so take the following precautions:

• Be aware that false or contaminated drug products may be in Victoria, even if no specific warning has been issued about them.
• Get free naloxone and carry it with you – no matter what drugs you think you’re getting.
• Remember, even 'pure' drugs can have serious side effects and cause death, and can interact dangerously with medication. Get the facts on the Alcohol and Drug Foundation website.

See Drug overdose to learn what a drug overdose looks like and what to do if someone around you needs help.

Where to get help

• In an emergency, always call triple zero (000). Paramedics are focused on saving lives, not reporting drug use
• Harm Reduction Victoria's DanceWize Email info@dancewize.org.au – for anonymous support and education from peers
• DirectLine Tel. 1800 888 236 – for help with alcohol or drug use, information, and support to access treatment