Alcohol and Other Drugs

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

Getting the most from your medication

Pharmacists in general practice are helping patients get to grips with their medication

Health Workforce