Alcohol and other drug support 

Not everyone who uses alcohol and other drugs will experience harm or become dependent. However, when harm does occur it can have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of Australians including veterans and families of veterans. 

For some people, alcohol and other drug use can affect their health, relationships, daily life and the ability to cope with stress. It can also affect families, friends and the broader community. 

Recovery is possible. With the right support, people can improve their health and wellbeing, strengthen relationships, and reconnect with their community. 

If you are worried about your own alcohol and other drug use, or someone else’s, help is available. 

Where to get help 

Different people need different kinds of support. A good first step is to speak with a GP or other health professional. Support may include: 

• counselling and emotional support 
• treatment services 
• information about alcohol and other drugs 
• support for families and carers 

If someone is in immediate danger or needs urgent medical help, call 000.  

For 24/7 crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. 

How to support someone you care about 

Starting a conversation can feel hard. Try to stay calm, avoid judgment, and talk about what you have noticed and why you are concerned. The Positive Choices website has practical tips to help you start a supportive conversation. 

Support services 

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling 

Open Arms gives free and confidential 24/7 support to veterans and families. It can help with alcohol and other drug concerns and connect people with specialist treatment services. Call 1800 011 046. 

National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline 

The National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline provides free and confidential information, counselling and referrals to services in your state or territory. It can help people worried about their own alcohol and other drug use, or someone else’s. It is available 24/7, although hours may vary in South Australia. 

Call 1800 250 015. Your call will go to the alcohol and drug information service in your state or territory. 

Counselling Online 

Counselling Online gives free and confidential online support to people worried about their own alcohol and other drug use, or someone else’s. It offers counselling, information and self-help tools 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Family Drug Support 

Family Drug Support helps families and friends affected by someone else’s alcohol or other drug use. It offers a 24-hour phone line, support groups, education, counselling and bereavement support. Call 1300 368 186. 

Family Drug Support also offers FDS Online, a resource for families dealing with ice and other drugs. 

Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 

13YARN is a free and confidential 24/7 crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Call 13 92 76 to speak with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander crisis supporter in a culturally safe space. 

Kids Helpline 

Kids Helpline gives free and confidential phone, web and email counselling to children and young people aged 5 to 25. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1800 55 1800. 

Medicare Mental Health 

Medicare Mental Health is a free service that helps people find mental health and wellbeing support. You can use it for yourself or someone you care about, and you do not need a referral. Call 1800 595 212 during weekday business hours. It is not a crisis service. 

Lifeline 

Lifeline gives 24-hour crisis support and counselling for people in distress or crisis. Call 13 11 14. 

Hello Sunday Morning 

Daybreak by Hello Sunday Morning is a free app for people who want to change their relationship with alcohol. It offers coaching, an anonymous online community and practical tools. 

Path2Help 

Path2Help is an online tool that helps people find alcohol and other drug services that match their needs. It also includes information and other support resources. 

DVA-funded treatment 

DVA may cover clinical treatment for alcohol and other drugs if a medical professional says you need this care. Talk to your GP or treating health professional about your options and whether you may be eligible for DVA-funded treatment. 

You may be eligible if you have one of the following: 

• a Veteran Gold Card 
• a Veteran White Card and the treatment is for an injury or condition covered by your card 

You can find more information from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.