Death from heroin overdose, in particular, rivals the road toll in destroying lives, especially among young Australians. This report is based on intensive fieldwork in three study areas: inner Melbourne (Fitzroy-Collingwood); Geelong and Sydney (Fairfield-Cabramatta). These areas have been carefully chosen to include an inner region of a capital city, a regional city and an outer metropolitan area; areas with high levels of illicit drug use and dealing; areas with a diverse ethnic and demographic mix; areas where relevant government agencies have indicated their willingness to support the research project.