The COVID-19 pandemic has changed lives in many different ways, to support the community we have developed a range of alcohol and other drug specific resources to help you with accessing services and support you with any stress and anxiety you may be experiencing.
For general updates, advice and facts visit
COVID-19 (coronavirus) and follow NSW Health on
Facebook and
Twitter.
Contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) for up-to-date information about
service availability in your area . The ADIS helpline is open 24/7 on
1800 250 015 or via
Web Chat Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5:00pm.
You can also contact the Family Drug Support (FDS) 24/7 helpline on 1300 368 186 for drug and alcohol issues.
On this page
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Impact on alcohol and other drug services
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Managing your use of alcohol and other drugs
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Looking after your mental and physical health
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Safety and wellbeing
Impact on alcohol and other drug services
As the COVID-19 pandemic develops, NSW Health is working with local health districts, non-government organisation (NGO), alcohol and other drug (AOD) services and community pharmacies to ensure continuity of service. For full details visit
Guidance for AOD Services about COVID-19 on the NSW Health website. For information on access to free naloxone (opioid overdose reversing medicine), visit 'Take home naloxone – a key component in COVID-19 preparedness'.
Please note: The take home naloxone program includes instructions for performing rescue breathing and chest compressions. Before doing so, refer to the National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce guidance on basic life support for adults in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic (PDF).
Visit the
Opioid Treatment Program page for information on the program and
FAQs for OTP patients during the COVID-19 pandemic (PDF), which includes answers to questions such as: Will I be able to continue to get my opioid treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic? What are my rights when negotiating my treatment during this time? I am required to self-isolate or have COVID-19 and cannot leave my house, how do I get my dose?
People who test positive for COVID-19 and are currently undergoing treatment for alcohol and other drug dependence can continue with their program. Talk to your service provider to discuss your treatment in the event you test positive.
Watch Dr Anthony Gill, Chief Addiction Medicine Specialist, NSW Health on advice for service providers.
Managing your use of alcohol and other drugs
The
Get Healthy Service Alcohol Reduction Program is also available for people who want to reduce their alcohol consumption to achieve and maintain a healthy weight and a healthier lifestyle. The Alcohol Reduction Program is open to anyone aged 18 years and over.
NUAA, the NSW Users and AIDS Association, have published a fact sheet on
COVID-19 and Harm Reduction. The fact sheet provides advice and information on protecting your health while using drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Also read
ACON helping to reduce COVID-19 drug and alcohol harm, for information and harm reduction advice regarding
alcohol and crystal (methamphetamine) use. Written and designed by ACON, Australia's leading community-based organisation specialising in HIV and LGBTQ health.
Looking after your mental and physical health
In this time of unprecedented concern about our collective health and livelihoods, it is more important than ever to remain socially connected and physically healthy. For more advice and tips to keep healthy read
Maintaining happiness amid global anxiety and
Soothing COVID-19 isolation anxiety.
Safety and wellbeing
There is no excuse for violence and abuse. This includes during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you or someone you care about is experiencing domestic and family violence there are services available to provide support.
If you or anyone else is in immediate danger, please call Police on
000 (triple zero).
You can contact
1800 RESPECT online or by phone on 1800 737 732 for confidential information, support and counselling. Women can also contact the
NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for support, counselling and referral to ongoing support.
If you are worried about your own behaviour and use of violence, you can visit the
NSW Government's Communities & Justice webpage for information or contact the
Men's Referral Service online or by phone on 1300 766 491.
For further information please visit the
NSW Government's COVID-19 Mental health and safety webpage.
