Program Purpose
We know that how people drink alcohol and take drugs is unique to the individual. It is our aim to help people at all stages, from a consumer who fears they drink too much and needs the help of their GP, to those who are experiencing an excruciating life that is dominated by addiction.
The Alcohol and Other Drugs Program (AOD) exists to support people in Northern Sydney who are experiencing health difficulties because of drug and or alcohol disorders. We work collaboratively with local providers to ensure that our population receives high quality, timely and coordinated care. This process includes undertaking needs assessments to determine what health issues people have, and commissioning (or contracting) services to address these issues.
This process involves working with a range of organisations including the Local Health District (LHD), GP Practices and other Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). When these organisations work well together consumers feel valued, and experience the right care at the right time.
Our aim is to see a network of services that wraps around our consumers and their families, and supports our population to have a healthy and happy life, not at the mercy of their addictions.
Resources for GPs - Webinars
Identifying commonly used substances and their effects webinar – Accompanying handouts can be found here.
AOD Substance Use and Physical Health webinar – Accompanying handouts can be found here.
Local Counselling Services
Northern Sydney Local Health District provide counselling services across a variety of locations in Northern Sydney.
Dayss provide Drug and Alcohol support to young people living in the Northern Beaches area.
SDECC – AOD Intensive Support Program
Non-residential day rehabilitation, including individual counselling, care coordination, group programs and intensive outreach for people aged 14-25 years Services are available in Chatswood and Manly.
To access the program call (02) 9977 0711.
Odyssey House Community Services
Non-residential rehabilitation for adults over 18 years old, including individual and group counselling, support to family members of people who have an addiction. Services available in Chatswood and Manly. To access the program call 1800 397 739.
Odyssey House Community Services – Drug & Alcohol Counselling
Non-residential day rehabilitation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults over 18 years old, including individual and group counselling, support to family members of people who have an addiction. Services available in Chatswood and Manly. To access the program call 1800 397 739.
ACON – Substance Support Counselling
Face-to-face in Surry Hills and remote access program (Skype or telephone) providing intensive, structured interventions within a harm reduction model to Lesbian, Gay, Transgender and Intersex people with alcohol and other drug misuse issues. Up to 12 sessions with the ability to extend.
To access the program call 1800 063 060.
Eligibility
These services are for people who live, work or go to school in the Northern Sydney Health Network region. People can access these services without a referral.
How to access the services
Anyone can make a referral by calling the number listed under each program; this includes self-referrals. GPs can also refer people through the Mental Health Triage on 1300 782 391 or send a referral form via secure fax on 02 8072 6899.
Click here to download the Local Services Patient Information Flyer.
Local Rehabilitation Services
- Northern Sydney Local Health District provide detoxification services for adults.
- Northside Group and South Pacific Private (private healthcare providers) provide inpatient drug and alcohol residential services.