Alexandra Karden
VITA
Alexandra Karden is currently in charge of research and development at checkit, a Viennese institution, which provides various support services for recreational drug users since 1997, including integrated drug checking (IDC). At checkit, Alexandra supports the development of services through her research work, which focuses on patterns of consumption, motives and trends as well as the exploration of specific drug trends in Austria. In her role she can also be found occasionally at various music festivals and events where checkit provides information, advice and support to drug users and those considering using substances. Furthermore, she is a M.Sc. candidate in Psychology with a specialization in Brain and Mind at the University of Vienna.
Workshop: The Integrated Drug Checking Approach
Understanding the Effects on Service Users
For the last 20 years checkit is providing addiction prevention and harm reduction in night-life and party settings where recreational drug use is commonly encountered. Despite the fact that reliable information about synthetic drugs is hard to obtain, recreational users feel quite safe when using drugs and often do not access support services. They are exposed to several acute risks (associated with consumption, effects of substances or legal risks) and long-term risks (associated with problematic patterns of use, social stigma, etc.). One best-practice model that raises awareness and addresses both types of risks in a balanced way is referred to as Integrated Drug Checking (IDC).
IDC owns a unique potential to reach out to this specific target group, because it provides credible and relevant information sought after by recreational users. It helps them to make more informed decisions about their health. IDC facilitates synergy effects through the neat integration of a range of harm reduction and support services.
This presentation will provide insights into the years-long experience of the Vienna-based organisation checkit. Additionally, latest developments of the two crucial aspects of IDC, the chemical analysis of drugs and the psychosocial services will be presented.
