DirectLine

Directline is a 24-hour telephone counselling, information and referral service for anyone in Victoria wishing to discuss an alcohol or drug-related issue. DirectLine provides:

• Information, counselling and referral around alcohol and drug issues
• An immediate and highly accessible alcohol and drug response service, especially to populations in remote areas
• Access to a 24/7 service by phone or online
• Brief interventions within a harm reduction framework to prevent or reduce problems associated with drug use
• An anonymous and confidential service

Phone: 1800 888 236

Alcohol and Drug Counselling Online

Counselling Online is a free, confidential service that provides 24/7 text-based support and referral to people affected by alcohol or drug use across Australia.

1800 Ice Advice

A 24/7 free and confidential helpline for people who use ice and their family members. This service can direct people to additional treatment and support services and provide general information about ice and its effects.

Phone: 1800 423 238

Yarning Safe and Strong

Yarning SafeNStrong (YSNS) is a free and confidential counselling service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. YSNS is available to people and families who need to have a yarn with someone about their wellbeing, social situation or Alcohol and other drug use.

Phone: 1800 959 563

Email: ysns@vahs.org.au

Mobile Needle and Syringe Program

This free service provides sterile injecting equipment for people who inject drugs, together with health information and referral to other services. This service also provides naloxone, which reverses the effects of opioid overdose.

It is available to people who inject drugs in northern Melbourne. The service operates every night of the week, all year round, between 7.30pm and 11.30pm.

Phone: 0418 545 789

Resources for people supporting a friend or family member

North East Metro Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect

North East Metro Connect is a warm and welcoming space for families, carers, supporters and kin of people challenged by mental health and/or alcohol and other drug use. North East Metro connect can provide a range of services for Victorian families and carers including:

• individual peer support
• family therapy
• educational sessions and group programs
• information, resources and practical support for health and wellbeing

All support is free and you do not require a referral. People of all ages can access the Connect services.

North East Metro Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect

Location:

3/50 Upper Heidelberg Road

Ivanhoe VIC 3079

Phone: 03 8850 4150

Email: northeastmetroconnect@accesshc.org.au

The Connect – Eltham

Location:

917 Main Road

Eltham VIC 3095

Phone: 03 8850 4150

Hours: Fridays 10am-12:30pm by drop in or appointment.

Family Drug and Gambling Help

Family Drug and Gambling Help, delivered by the Self Help Addiction Resource Centre (SHARC), provides practical help, information and support to families and friends affected by someone’s drinking, drug use or gambling. FDH deliver professional and peer-based services across Victoria including counselling, support groups, educational programs and a 24-hour helpline.

Phone: 1300 660 068

Family Drug Support Groups

Family Drug Support run family support meetings across Australia. These meetings are run by trained workers who usually have their own experiences as a family member affected by alcohol or other drugs. The groups focus on sharing experiences and supporting each other.

To find a local group in-person or online, visit the support group directory.

Carer support groups

There are various carer support groups around Melbourne and regional Victoria.

To find out what groups are in your area, visit the Carer Support Group Directory.

Resources for service providers

Hamilton Centre

The Hamilton Centre provides linkages between Victorian Mental Health and Addiction Services to support collaborative and integrated care for people living with co-occurring addiction and mental health concerns.

We welcome referrals from clinicians and workers across Mental Health and AOD services in Victoria. Our services include access to information, support with service navigation within the Mental Health and Alcohol and other Drug sector, and access to primary and secondary consultations with addiction medicine and psychiatry specialist teams across the state.

Phone: 1800 517 383

Open hours: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

Drug and Alcohol Clinical Advisory Service (DACAS)

DACAS is a free 24/7 telephone addiction medicine advisory service that assists health and welfare professionals in Victoria, Tasmania and the Northern Territory to respond effectively to individuals with alcohol or other drug use problems.

Phone: 1800 812 804

Women’s Alcohol & Drug Service (WADS)

WADS provides medical care, counselling and support to women with complex substance use and dependence, assessment, and care of infants exposed to drugs and alcohol during pregnancy.

WADS is the only state-wide drug and alcohol service providing specialist clinical services to pregnant women with complex substance use dependence.

We utilise a multidisciplinary team approach to advance their health and well-being and the medical needs of their infants. Our support is further enhanced through the provision of secondary consultation, including a 24 hour on-call addiction/obstetric service.

The service also offers training targeted to acute and primary health services and the community sector.

Phone: 03 8345 3931

Email: wads@thewomens.org.au