Information

Who do we serve?

• People who are seeking support and information about their own drinking or drug use.
• People who are seeking support and information about the drinking or drug use of someone close to them.
• People seeking information about other alcohol and other drug issues.

What do we do on the Helpline?

The Alcohol Drug Helpline is an information, referral and intervention service. Callers can access brief intervention counselling through our Brief Intervention Counsellors. Callers requiring on-going counselling and other interventions will be referred to specialist agencies.

Brief Intervention

We offer brief interventions for alcohol and other drug problems. A brief intervention allows the caller to identify their level of use, consider the pros and cons of continuing to use, and reasons they would like to change. The caller is then offered a selection of options, in an affirming confidential manner, completely anonymously.

Information provided includes the following:

• Information about alcohol and other drugs.
• The effects of alcohol and other drugs on the body, behaviour and the community.
• Responsible drinking guidelines.
• Risk factors and early warning indicators for alcohol and other drug problems.
• Strategies to avoid drink driving.
• Strategies for cutting down or stopping drinking or drug use.
• Strategies for coping with another person's drinking or drug use problem.
• Information to support those who wish to reduce the harm relating to their alcohol or other drug use.

Information is provided in a way in which callers are listened to and feel supported.

Referral

We provide information about and contacts for  services available for callers to receive assessment, intervention, treatment and support.

We also offer assisted referral to some services.

The service is confidential and anonymous except in certain crisis situations.

A range of printed information is available to be mailed out to callers as required.