Alcohol and Other Drugs

Our focus is on providing services that respond to people as a whole.

People affected by alcohol and other drug (AoD) use, often experience co-occurring issues with mental health or have poor physical health. Our focus is on funding services that respond to the person and we encourage joining up of services to make it easier for people to get the support they need. We are also committed to improving the early detection of harmful AoD use, through screening and brief intervention in primary care.

Our Priorities

  • Investing in accredited, evidence-based and culturally appropriate treatment services in areas of high need for people who would otherwise have difficulty accessing services.
  • Building capability within primary care to recognise and respond to AoD use in a holistic, person-centred way.
  • Prioritising integrated solutions to increase access and improve effectiveness of responses to comorbidities inclusive of mental and physical health.

Key Activities

North Metro Community Alcohol and Drug Service Counsellor Inreach to General Practice: A program that embeds experienced counsellors in general practice to treat and support people experiencing harm from AoD use.

Alcohol and other Drug Training for Pharmacists: A workforce development initiative that increases access to AoD support by upskilling pharmacists to recognise and respond to problematic AoD use.

Milliya Rumurra Aboriginal Corporation Post Rehabilitation Continuing Care: A holistic, culturally safe program for people exiting residential rehabilitation who require additional support to recover from AoD use.

Key Achievements

  • Built the capability of general practices to support patients with AoD issues by increasing awareness and confidence to talk about these issues.
  • Embedded counsellors to facilitate convenient and accessible access to non-stigmatised AoD services in a general practice setting.
  • Expanded options for AoD services, through face to face training for pharmacists across seven country regions and two metropolitan areas.
  • 90% of the Post Rehabilitation Continuing Care program’s clients surveyed believed their health will improve after receiving care and 67.5% reported reduced or ceased drug use.

Case Study

Our Priorities

The work we do across our seven pillars, or priority areas, helps those at risk of poor health outcomes by addressing health inequity and improving access to services that transform and save lives. Read about this year’s achievements and some of the great work being done with our key partners and the community.to deliver better health, together.

Aboriginal Health

Improving the health of Aboriginal Western Australians is a critical concern.

View Aboriginal Health

Aged Care

We are committed to increasing access for older Western Australians to primary healthcare.

View Aged Care

Alcohol and Other Drugs

Our focus is on providing services that respond to people as a whole.

View Alcohol and Other Drugs

Digital Health

Digital health helps us to identify priorities, link services, and fund options for better primary care.

View Digital Health

Health Workforce

We build the capacity and capability ofthe primary healthcare workforce to help more people access the care they need.

View Health Workforce

Mental Health

We know that mental ill health is one the biggest health challenges forWestern Australians.

View Mental Health

Population Health

Improving population health contributes to the wellbeing of communities across our State.

View Population Health