Alcohol and Other Drugs
Programme 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 Programme (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.
Patients, pharmacists and GPs resources and information
Local Services
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 9977 0711.
Odyssey House Community Services
Non-residential day 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 Primary 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.
Primary Care Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention Project
To support busy GPs in the management of patients who misuse alcohol, we are currently recruiting GP practices to participate in a short term (up to 3 months) screening and brief intervention project.
All resources are provided, and participants will receive clinical support from a GP and administrative support from the PHN throughout the project. There will be financial remuneration for participation.
Benefits
- Access to relevant and effective resources
- Increased knowledge of brief interventions
- Fast, simple approach that fits into daily practice operations
- Healthier patients
- Networking and support from other clinicians
- If completed by a practice nurse, it may release time for GPs
Next Steps
If you are interested in participating, please complete your contact details below and give this form to Mariska Barnett at Sydney North Primary Health Network. Mariska can be contacted via:
Email: mbarnett@snhn.org.au
Phone: (02) 9432 8254