Support Services

The Alcohol & Drug Information Service (ADIS) is a free and confidential counselling helpline for NSW residents with concerns around alcohol and/or drug misuse and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. ADIS is staffed by professional counsellors who provide education, information, counselling, support and referrals to other appropriate services in NSW.

Are you worried you could be drinking too much or consuming drugs in a way that has become a problem? Are you worried about your friends or family finding out and want to get help quickly and quietly? Are you worried about the drug use of someone close to you – maybe a family member or friend? Maybe you just want to know where someone can get help? 

ADIS clinicians understand the difficulties of speaking out, seeking help and finding appropriate drug and alcohol treatment, and use their knowledge and experience to assist you and answer questions, such as:

• How can I cut-down or stop my alcohol or drug use?
• What help can I get?
• Do I have to wait long to get help?
• Can anyone ring ADIS?
• Who do I talk to when I ring ADIS?
• Will drug and alcohol treatments be difficult?
• What is this drug doing to me?
• What are the short and long term problems that could develop if I continue using?
• Will ADIS tell anyone that I rang?
• What can I expect when I ring?
• Does ADIS record calls?

You can call ADIS 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 250 015 or for Sydney Metropolitan 02 8382 1000 or alternatively you can start a Web Chat.

ADIS Web Chat is available from Monday to Friday 8.30am – 5pm (including public holidays).

ADIS also has a range of telephone lines offering specialised drug and alcohol information and support to particular groups.

Your Service Hub is an online directory of alcohol and other drugs support, health and welfare services. If you need support for your own or someone else's substance use, you should use terms in Find Services like:

• drug and alcohol family support
  

• drug and alcohol Aboriginal services 
  

• drug counselling
  

• drug and alcohol rehabilitation
  

• drug and alcohol residential treatment
  

Use your suburb name to narrow the search to services near you.

Not sure what service you need? Call the Alcohol and Drug Information Service on 1800 250 015.

Naloxone provides a significant opportunity to save lives because opioid overdoses tend to happen gradually, rather than suddenly. Opioids include pain-relieving drugs legally prescribed by a medical professional such as oxycodone, morphine, codeine and fentanyl, as well as illegal drugs such as heroin. During an overdose, opioids slow down or stop a person’s breathing, which may eventually result in death (see ‘Signs of opioid overdose’ below). However, it is possible to prevent death by administering naloxone to reverse the effects of the overdose. For this reason it is best to avoid using opioids alone, as naloxone can only help if someone can administer it quickly. 

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).

Opioids are responsible for over three deaths in Australia per day (Australian Bureau of Statistics). Prescribed opioids account for 70 per cent of opioid-induced deaths either by accident or through misuse. In 2018 the highest number of heroin-induced deaths was seen since 2000.

1. What is naloxone?
   
2. Who is naloxone for?
3. Take home naloxone in NSW
4. Where can I get naloxone?
   
5. Signs of opioid overdose
6. Pharmaceutical opioid use
   
7. More information

What is naloxone?

Naloxone is a drug that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. In technical terms naloxone is a short-acting opioid antagonist that stops the central nervous system slowing down, giving a person experiencing an overdose the ability to breathe normally again. Naloxone only works if a person has opioids in their system.

Naloxone is available in a very easy to use nasal spray, and as a pre-filled injection. Until recently, naloxone has only been administered by medical staff or emergency service officers. Now, with basic training it can be administered by anyone.

Who is naloxone for?

Naloxone is for anyone at risk of overdosing on opioid drugs or anyone who may witness an opioid overdose.

People in the following circumstances should consider keeping a supply of naloxone close by: 

• People on high doses of opioid pain medicines 
• People who use opioid drugs 
• People returning to opioid use after a period of stopping or quitting 
• People who use opioids in combination with other drugs or medicines
• People who use illicit drugs, including cocaine or other stimulants (illicit drugs may contain unexpected substances, including opioids)

Family, friends or loved ones of people who use opioid drugs.

Take home naloxone in NSW

Take home naloxone programs, for people at risk of witnessing or experiencing an opioid overdose, have been established in Australia and internationally to increase awareness of naloxone, and reduce harm and death from overdose. Having naloxone at home enables community members to access the medicine quickly when and where they need it to treat an opioid overdose. 

Take Home Naloxone is now available from an increasing number of community pharmacies, public alcohol and other drugs services and some non-government health and welfare services across NSW. 

Naloxone is also available on prescription by a doctor or over the counter from a community pharmacy.

Where can I get naloxone?

Naloxone in the form of the Nyxoid® nasal spray and Prenoxad® pre-filled syringe are available for free without a prescription from registered community pharmacies, Needle and Syringe Programs (NSP) and participating non-government organisations (NGOs) and private services in NSW.

Pharmacies

Find your local participating pharmacy.
Tip: With the list open  use the search function (Ctrl and F keys) to find your postcode or suburb.

Pharmacies list (PDF)

NSW Needle and Syringe Programs

Naloxone is also available from some Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) sites across NSW. Please contact your local NSP service to confirm naloxone availability.

Needle and Syringe Program sites

NGOs and private services

Find your local participating non-government organisations (NGOs) and private service.

NGOs & private services list (PDF)

Information about overdose

Pharmaceutical opioid use

There is a high risk of accidental overdose from pharmaceutical opioids such as fentanyl when used other than by your doctor's instructions, due to its potency and very fast action once inside the body. For example, fentanyl patches that attach to the skin can cause fatal overdose when heat is applied over the top, or if someone does not keep track of how much and how often it is being taken.

If you are prescribed a pharmaceutical opioid only use it as prescribed by your doctor and pay attention to any warning or caution advice.

More information

Check out the A-Z of Drugs listing and Support Services pages, including the NSW Opioid Treatment Program page for further information.

For further enquiries on the take home naloxone Intervention in NSW email MOH-naloxone@health.nsw.gov.au.

Information for NSW public health services, Medically Supervised Injecting Centres (MSIC) and non-government and private service providers can be found at health.nsw.gov.au/aod/programs/Pages/naloxone. For information on the Commonwealth Government Take home naloxone pilot visit health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/take-home-naloxone-pilot.

For free and confidential advice give an Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) counsellor a call on 1800 250 015, they are available 24 hours, 7 days a week to provide confidential support and advice.

Community Drug Action Teams (CDATs) are informal groups of community members, Local Health Districts, and representatives from other government and non-government agencies who volunteer to work together on alcohol and other drugs issues affecting their local community. There are 60 CDATs across NSW.

NSW Health has supported the CDAT Program since its creation in 1999.

Commencing January 2021, an Odyssey House NSW-led consortium will manage the CDAT Program. Karralika Programs, Bila Muuji Aboriginal Corporation Health Service and The Buttery are also members of the consortium. 

Visit the CDAT site 

Want to make a difference to alcohol and other drug use in your community?

Key dates

• Applications now open –  no close date at this point in time 
  
• Funding announcements commence  30 Oct 2021 
  
• Ongoing applications will be received form eligible CDAT’s, with these funding announcements made approx. 4 weeks after submission. 
  

Who is eligible?

• You must have a designated Lead Organisation who will be responsible for the governance of the CDAT and be the primary contact for the CDAT
• You must have a focus on prevention to reduce AOD related harm in community
• You must meet the assessment criteria below

Application Criteria

The NSW CDAT Consortium will conduct a review of all applications using the following criteria:

• Priority focus area
• Demonstrated local need (local evidence of key issues, target audience)
• Partnership (demonstrated ability to collaborate, sustainability of previous partnerships, expertise, skills and capacity to influence)
• Community involvement and consultation
• Experience or expertise; and capacity to deliver quality outcomes.

When the applications have been assessed and confirmed, Applicants will be notified of the outcome.

 Apply for funding here

If you would like further information on the CDAT Program, please contact the consortium at info@nswcdat.org.au

The Stimulant Treatment Line (STL) is a NSW state-wide telephone service providing education, information, counselling and referrals to support services. STL supports people specifically using stimulants such as speed, ice, ecstasy / MDMA, cocaine etc. STL clinicians understand the difficulties of speaking out, seeking help and finding appropriate drug and alcohol treatment, and use their knowledge and experience to assist you. Call anytime of the day or week as the service is open 24/7.

STL operates 24 hours, 7 days a week, call Sydney Metropolitan 02 8382 1088 or regional and rural NSW Freecall *1800 10 11 88

* Please note- Freecall numbers are not free from mobile phones

STL records some information about calls. Some things are kept for statistical purposes, such as type of drug being asked about, was the caller male or female, and the like as this will assist STL clinicians to provide the best tailored support to you. You do not have to provide any identifying information as it is not mandatory.

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

1. Impact on alcohol and other drug services
   
2. Managing your use of alcohol and other drugs
   
3. Looking after your mental and physical health
   
4. 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

NSW Health have launched the new free smartphone app, Drinks Meter. The app is a useful tool in this time of social distancing and isolation as it provides you with an opportunity to manage your alcohol consumption in times of stress and anxiety.

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 new 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.

Adolescence and emerging adulthood are periods of significant brain growth and development. Scientists call the adolescent brain highly 'neuroplastic' because it is a time of organising, construction and strengthening of connections in the brain.

1. Respect Your Brain animated series
2. How do drugs affect the developing brain?
3. Areas of the brain in development
4. Alcohol and the developing brain
5. Cannabis and the developing brain
6. MDMA and the developing brain
7. Alcohol, antidepressants and the developing brain
8. Vaping and the developing brain
9. Getting help for drug and alcohol issues
   

Animated series

The Respect Your Brain animated video series focuses on the impact of five drugs commonly used in Australia and explores the way these drugs affect a young person’s developing brain.

How do drugs affect the developing brain?

The brain is highly neuroplastic (changing in response to experiences or exposure to chemicals), so during brain development (teens to 25 years) there is the risk of damage

The way a drug affects a person depends on which part of the brain it targets. Some drugs have far reaching effects, for example alcohol can reach three areas of the brain where important functions occur, whilst other drugs may be more localised and specific, for example MDMA is attracted to the limbic system and binds strongly to areas such as the hypothalamus. Often, it’s the amount of the drug taken (dose) that influences the risk of harm to the brain. Because we are all different, the effects can vary from person to person and be more harmful for some.

Areas of the brain in development

There are three significant areas where brain function occurs, they are:

​	​Hindbrain (pons, cerebellum and medulla oblongata), which is responsible for balance and coordination and basic automatic functions like breathing and heart rate.
​	​Subcortical midbrain (limbic system), which is responsible for our animal instincts, like our 'pleasure centre,' our flight or fight response and memory storage. It's also the home of the hypothalamus, which enables us to maintain internal balance and physical wellbeing despite changes or outside factors.
​	​Forebrain (cerebral cortex, including prefrontal cortex), which is responsible for our complex, high level thinking, like planning for the future and regulating our emotions.

Alcohol and the developing brain

Alcohol is a depressant which is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. It can affect the brain within five minutes of consumption (absorption may be slower if the person has recently eaten).

Drinking, particularly heavy drinking, at any time before, during and after brain development, can have a negative effect on the way the brain works.

Early alcohol use may interrupt cell growth in the frontal lobe of the brain, an area which does not reach full maturity until a person reaches their mid-twenties. The frontal lobe of the brain controls higher mental processes such as planning. Drinking alcohol interferes with brain development and harms can include poor attention, poor decision making and disrupts the ability to forward plan – impacting on mental health and educational performance and completion.

Little is known about whether excessive alcohol consumption in teenage years leads to permanent changes to the brain. However, there is evidence that excessive drinking (more than 4 standard drinks on a single occasion) can lead to young people taking risks and putting themselves in dangerous situations, such as drink driving and having unsafe sex.

Cannabis and the developing brain

Cannabis acts as a central nervous system depressant that also alters sensory perception.

THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) is the active ingredient in cannabis which is responsible for the mood-altering effects which can make people feel high. Synthetic cannabis functions in a similar way to THC.

Cannabis can affect memory and attention, which can interfere with your ability to take in and remember new information. This can affect everyday life, particularly when learning something new or doing something difficult.

Using cannabis regularly when you are young and your body is still developing increases your body's exposure to the harms associated with cannabis use, such as a higher risk of respiratory illness.

Cannabis use can affect mental processing and if cannabis is used heavily over many years, persistent problems with memory, attention and the ability to handle complex information may be experienced.

Early and heavy cannabis use may affect your choices and options in life, leading to impact on social and physical wellbeing (Cannabis Facts for Young People. National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre, October 2011).

MDMA and the developing brain

Methylene DioxyMethAmphetamine (MDMA) – also called ecstasy – is a derivative of amphetamine and has both stimulant and hallucinogenic properties. Stimulants speed up the central nervous system and brain, and hallucinogens can cause people to see, hear, feel or smell things that do not exist.

The effects of MDMA can start within an hour and typically last up to about six hours. Some effects may continue for up to 32 hours.

MDMA affects your brain by increasing the activity of neurotransmitters (the chemical messengers of brain cells): serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.

Serotonin regulates mood, sleep, pain, appetite, and other behaviours. MDMA causes mood-elevating effects by releasing large amounts of serotonin. This release depletes the brain's supply of serotonin and some people can feel down or anxious the day after taking MDMA. Known as the 'come down', this may include sleep problems, feeling depressed and finding it hard to concentrate and can last for several days.

MDMA may cause an increase in body temperature (hyperthermia) and dehydration. A body temperature of 40 degrees Celsius or higher is life-threatening. Some symptoms of over-heating include confusion, nausea or vomiting and rapid breathing.  MDMA can also cause fluid retention and water intoxication, which can also be life threatening.

Mixing MDMA with alcohol or other drugs is also dangerous, mixing drugs can cause people to feel unwell and put their health and life in danger. Some drug interactions are of particular concern, they are:

• MDMA and some of painkillers or antidepressants can lead to serotonin toxicity which can be fatal
  
• MDMA, methamphetamine (ice and speed) and cocaine are all stimulants so if either drug are taken together the effects can be very unpleasant or lead to an overdose
  
• MDMA with alcohol raises blood pressure and body temperature and increases the chance of dehydration and confusion, which could lead to taking more MDMA and the increased risk of overdose
  

If someone shows the following signs of MDMA / ecstasy overdose an ambulance should be called immediately on Triple Zero (000).

• Feeling really hot / overheating
• Rigid muscles, tremors or spasms
• Clenched jaw
• Confusion or disorientation
• Difficulty walking
• Severe agitation or panic
• Having difficulty breathing
• Fast racing pulse / heart
• Vomiting
• Seizure
• Unconsciousness
  

Alcohol, antidepressants and the developing brain

Antidepressants are prescribed to help treat mental health problems, like depression and anxiety. These medicines target neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in the brain linked to low mood, such as serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine.

Common antidepressants are 'selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors' (SSRIs), also known by brand names, like Lexapro, Cipramil and Prozac. SSRIs help increase the levels of serotonin in the brain by blocking the recycling of serotonin from the space between nerve cells (see image below).  

Neurotransmitters such as serotonin in the synapse of a nerve cell

SSRIs block the re-uptake of serotonin, so it builds up in the synapse

This helps serotonin stay around for longer to help improve mood. Other antidepressants include 'serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors' and 'tricyclic antidepressants', which have a similar effect on neurotransmitters. 

It can take weeks for the medication to start having an effect, and regular and consistent use is very important.

Some types of antidepressants can interact with alcohol in the body with side-effects such as drowsiness, reduced attention and insomnia.  Antidepressants when combined with alcohol (a depressant) can cause enhanced sedation – slow down reaction-time, affect co-ordination, decision making, lead to greater levels of drowsiness than taking either drug alone. This increases the chance of injury and other negative experiences associated with drinking, such as vomiting, fights and unwanted sexual experiences.

Alcohol slows down brain activity in the frontal lobe of the brain, making it harder to regulate stress and other emotions. Drinking alcohol can also intensify negative emotions and worsen underlying mood. There is also a strong link between frequent heavy drinking and symptoms of poor mental health where one disorder serves to maintain and worsen the other.

The safest thing during brain development (which continues until about age 25), is not to use alcohol at all particularly if also prescribed antidepressant medication.

For more information, refer to the fact sheet.

Vaping and the developing brain

Vapes (also known as electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vape pens, pods or stigs) come in many different types. All have the same basic parts, as shown in the picture below: a battery, coil and cartridge. When the battery is switched on, the coil heats up the e-liquid, which is vapourised and inhaled.

Many disposable vapes are one piece with no removable parts, and the e-liquid is stored inside a small pod.  Other vapes may be refillable with parts that can be changed.

Vapes produce up to 300 chemicals. In the short-term, vaping can cause damage to the lungs and throat, and lead to nicotine overdose. Vapes haven't been around for very long, so the long-term effects aren't well known.

Nicotine is incredibly addictive. Using nicotine-containing vapes means you may develop nicotine dependence. Needing nicotine all the time to feel normal, otherwise you experience withdrawal symptoms like irritability, low mood, and even tremors. Vapes can deliver nicotine at higher doses – some as much as 50 cigarettes (often much more!)

Exposing young brains to nicotine early can wire your brain to be more addicted to substances into adulthood.

Vaping can lead to worse mental health, both in the short and long term, causing symptoms of depression within 12 months of starting. In the long term, it can lead to developing depression, anxiety and substance use disorders because of the way nicotine changes the brain.

It is illegal for anyone under 18 years to buy vapes. For people over 18, it is illegal to buy or sell vapes containing nicotine anywhere in Australia, including NSW. Only people with a valid doctor's prescription can use nicotine vapes to help them quit smoking.

For more information, check 'Do you know what you're vaping?'

Getting help for drug and alcohol issues

There are lots of services that young people can call or chat with online if they have concerns about themselves of others, including their family. All of the following services are free and confidential (unless there is a risk of harm to them or someone else) and can be accessed anonymously.

Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS)
ADIS is 24 hours 7 days a week free, confidential and anonymous telephone service, providing counselling, support, referrals and information for those affected by alcohol or other drugs.

ADIS also provides Web Chat which is free, anonymous and confidential for people with concerns about alcohol or other drug use. Web Chat is available Monday to Friday 8.30am – 5pm (including public holidays).
T: 1800 250 015

Family Drug Support (FDS)
FDS provides 24 hours 7 days a week free telephone support line for families and friends affected by alcohol and drug use.
T: 1300 368 186

Kids Helpline
The Kids Helpline is a free, private, and confidential 24 hours, 7 days a week telephone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.
T: 1800 55 1800

ReachOut
ReachOut is Australia's leading online mental health organisation for young people and their parents. They have a supportive, safe and anonymous forum space where people care about what's happening to you, because they've been there too.

Lifeline
Lifeline is a 24-hours 7 days a week free crisis support and suicide prevention service.
T: 131 114

More information

Check out the A-Z of Drugs for more information.

NSW Health in collaboration with the Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) and local agencies has a suite of resources including videos, factsheets and free interactive online education modules to help you and your community learn more about crystal methamphetamine or ice and its effect on individuals and communities.

These resources also explain where you can get help if you or someone you know has an ice problem or you want to support someone with a dependence on .

On this page

1. Online learning
   
2. Video messages from people affected by ice
3. Where to get support
4. What should I do in an emergency?
5. Fact sheets and further information
   

Online learning

This interactive tool will help you learn more about ice, its history, the effects and how to access support services, with audio and video animation.

Messages from people affected by ice

Breaking the ice in our community

Hear from an ex-user, clinicians, harm minimisation specialists and families on the impact of ice on their communities and life after ice.

Jay Morris’s story

Ex ice user Jay talks about his experience of overcoming a dependence on ice. Watch to hear from Jay about when he realised using ice became a problem, the moment he knew he needed help and his message to people using ice.

Debbie Warner’s story

Mother of ex-ice user, Debbie talks about her experience of dealing with the stigma of ice and how she found support. Hear her message for families struggling with drug dependence.

Dr Suzie Hudson’s Story

Hear from Clinical Director Dr Suzie Hudson on what ice is, how it is used, the support available and her experience of working with the people using ice. Hear her message to communities.

Where to get support

• Call the National Alcohol and Other Drugs Hotline on 1800 250 015 for free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drugs 24 hours, 7 days a week.
• Call the Stimulant Treatment Line (STL) on 02 9361 8088 Sydney Metro or Free call* on 1800 10 11 88 Regional & rural NSW for concerns about psychostimulants (crystal, ice, coke, MDMA, etc) use. 24 hours, 7 days a week. (*Free call numbers are not free from mobile phones.)
• Call Family Drug Support (FDS) on 1300 368 186 or www.fds.org.au for caring, non-religious and non-judgemental support and assistance throughout Australia.

What should I do in an emergency?

If you can’t wake someone up or you are concerned that they may have sustained a head injury from a drug related fall – call an ambulance immediately – dial Triple Zero (000).

If the person has been mixing methamphetamines with other drugs, tell the NSW Ambulance paramedic exactly what they have taken. Paramedics are there to help. Generally paramedics don’t involve the police unless there is danger to themselves or other people/children, someone dies, or a crime (such as violence or theft) has been committed.

Fact sheets and further information

For further information on methamphetamine or ice visit Methamphetamine or refer to resources for individuals and families:

• Breaking The Ice – What Is Crystalline Methamphetamine?
  • Arabic
  • Vietnamese
• Breaking the Ice – Harm Reduction
• Breaking The Ice – Family
• Breaking The Ice – For Aboriginal Communities
  • Arabic
  • Vietnamese
• Breaking The Ice – Treatment
  • Arabic
  • Vietnamese
• Breaking The Ice – Withdrawal
• Methamphetamine (Speed and Ice) Drug Facts
  • Arabic
  • Chinese simplified
  • Chinese traditional
  • Hindi
  • Vietnamese
• Methamphetamine Drug Facts Booklet
• Not Our Way - Are you standing on thin ice? Booklet for Aboriginal Communities
• Not Our Way - Ice Storybook for Aboriginal Communities

For the latest data on methamphetamine related emergency department presentations and methamphetamine related hospitalisations please visit NSW Health Stats Drug Misuse.

Health service providers can find more information on alcohol and other drugs, including early intervention, strategy, programs and guidelines on the NSW Health website.

​ACON is a New South Wales based health promotion organisation supporting sexuality and gender diverse communities, including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and/or queer. Specialising in HIV prevention, HIV support, Sexual Health, Mental Health and Alcohol and Drugs.

ACON runs several programs related to alcohol and other drugs. These programs span: harm reduction services, like the needle syringe program and the ACON Rovers; tailored resources and information for sexuality and gender diverse communities hosted on their AOD website Pivot Point; and a substance support counselling service. For information about the services ACON offers please visit the alcohol and other drug page on the ACON website.

The Aboriginal Quitline is run by Aboriginal Advisors, who are experts in helping people quit the smokes. Quitline is a telephone-based service, where Advisors give confidential advice and support to people who want to quit smoking.

Your Aboriginal Advisor can give you tips on how to quit smoking, and help you plan how you will quit. They can also give information about what medications and products could also help you quit.

Aboriginal Quitline Advisors will help you work out the best way to quit. They will listen and give advice that is suited to you.

Aboriginal Quitline offers a free call-back service, where an Aboriginal Advisor will call you to check in on how you are going as you quit the smokes.  

Call Quitline on 13 7848 (13 QUIT) and ask to speak to an Aboriginal Advisor.

The cost is the same as a local call (can be higher from mobiles).

Or you can ask for an Aboriginal Advisor to call you by filling in a Request a NSW Quitline Call-Back form.

AODconnect is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and managed by the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet.

​The Sexual Health Infolink is a telephone and internet based information and referral service. It is staffed by specialist sexual health nurses and promotes the sexual health of the NSW community by providing accurate and timely information and referral options. 

The service specialises in HIV and STI risk assessment, testing, treatment and support. The service also provides specialist support to nurses, doctors, counsellors and other professionals who are caring for people with sexual health problems.

NSW Sexual Health Infolink 1800 451 624 is available from 9:00am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).

Also visit Play Safe which is a sexual health website for young people. It features a sexual health Q&A service, service locator, online forum and a quiz.

The National Youth Mental Health Foundation's headspace provides mental health services to 12-25 year-olds.

Headspace services cover four core areas: mental health, physical health (including sexual health), work and study support and alcohol and other drug services. Services are confidential, youth friendly and free or low cost. Young people and their families can access information online at headspace.org.au, face-to-face services at one of over 100 headspace Centres across Australia, or via eheadspace – a national online and telephone counselling service.

​The Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) acts to protect public health and safety by resolving, investigating and prosecuting complaints about health care. It is an independent body set up under the Health Care Complaints Act 1993.

The Commission has a central role in maintaining the integrity of the NSW health system, with the overarching aim of protecting the health and safety of individuals and the community.

The HCCC deals with complaints about all health services and providers in NSW including:

• Health Organisations: such as public and private hospitals, medical centres, imaging and radiation services.
• Registered Health Practitioners: such as medical practitioners, nurses, dentists and pharmacists.
• Unregistered Health Practitioners: such as counsellors, speech therapists, massage therapists and alternative health care providers.

The HCCC priorities are:

• To deliver a complaints management process that is responsive, impartial, effective and adaptable.
• To investigate and prosecute serious complaints to protect public health and safety.
• To play a key role in maintaining the integrity of the NSW Health system.