Alcohol and other drug services
Healthy North Coast supports alcohol and other drug services across the North Coast. We help people access care that is evidence-based, recovery-focused and matched to their needs, culture, location and circumstances.
Alcohol and other drug support across the North Coast
Alcohol and other drug use can affect people, families, carers and communities in different ways. Some people may need early advice, brief support or referral. Others may need more structured treatment, coordinated care, or help from mental health, social, cultural and community services.
Healthy North Coast works with local providers to support a person-centred alcohol and other drug system. The aim is to reduce harm, support recovery and wellbeing, and make it easier for people to find the right care at the right time.
This page outlines how Healthy North Coast supports health professionals, referrers and service partners through:
- commissioning services
- strengthening pathways
- supporting coordination
- building workforce and service system capacity
Our work is guided by local needs, stakeholder feedback, national program requirements and the principles of harm minimisation, evidence-informed care and collaboration.
Our support
Healthy North Coast commissions alcohol and other drug treatment and support services across the North Coast. These services improve access to care, respond to local needs and help people find support that matches their goals and stage of change.
Services may include assessment, counselling, care coordination, referral, group programs, outreach, relapse prevention, aftercare and recovery support. They also help people connect with mental health, Aboriginal health, social, education, vocational and community supports.
Together, these services help fill local service gaps, improve access for priority groups and support more connected care across the North Coast.
Commissioned alcohol and other drug treatment services
Overview
Healthy North Coast commissions local alcohol and other drug treatment services that respond to identified needs across the region.
Services are designed to support people using a range of substances and may include flexible and stepped care models matched to individual need, readiness and stage of change.
Commissioned services provide treatment and recovery support for people affected by alcohol and other drug use. Support may include assessment, counselling, care coordination, referral, group programs, outreach, relapse prevention, aftercareand links to other health and community services.
Who is it for?
Services are for people across the North Coast who are affected by alcohol or other drug use, including families, carers and communities impacted by substance use.
How does it support health professionals?
Alcohol and other drug services give health professionals referral options for people who need support beyond primary care. They also help strengthen pathways between general practice, specialist alcohol and other drug services, mental health services, community services and hospital-based care.
Key outcomes or benefits
Commissioned services aim to:
- improve access to alcohol and other drug treatment
- support evidence-based care for people using a range of substances
- strengthen referral pathways and care coordination
- improve links between alcohol and other drug, mental health and community services
- support care that is matched to people’s needs, culture, location and circumstances
- reduce harm and support recovery, wellbeing and social connection for individuals, families, carers and communities
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander alcohol and other drug services
Healthy North Coast commissions targeted alcohol and other drug services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the region. Services are designed to be culturally appropriate and safe, and to connect with broader Aboriginal health and community supports.
These services provide alcohol and other drug treatment and recovery support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Support may include assessment, counselling, care coordination, culturally safe treatment, community-based support and referral to health, social and emotional wellbeing services.
Who is it for?
Services are for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who need support with alcohol or other drug use, including people with co-occurring mental health concerns or other health and social needs.
How does it support health professionals?
These services support health professionals by providing culturally appropriate referral options and helping connect people with care that reflects their culture, community, health needs and preferences.
Key outcomes or benefits
These services aim to:
- improve access to culturally safe alcohol and other drug treatment
- strengthen links with Aboriginal health and community services
- support integrated care for people with alcohol and other drug and mental health needs
- improve care coordination at the local level
- support service delivery that is guided by local needs and Aboriginal community priorities
Workforce and referral pathway support
Healthy North Coast helps primary care and service partners understand local alcohol and other drug services and referral pathways. This includes information about brief intervention options, evidence-based resources and local support services.
Support may include information about referral pathways, service navigation, education opportunities, clinical resources, local service information and connection with commissioned providers.
Who is it for?
This support is for general practice, primary care providers, commissioned services, community services and other health professionals working with people affected by alcohol and other drug use.
How does it support health professionals?
It helps health professionals identify referral options, understand available services and connect people with care that matches their needs.
Key outcomes or benefits
This work aims to:
- strengthen workforce knowledge and confidence
- improve use of referral pathways
- support access to evidence-based information and resources
- strengthen links between primary care and alcohol and other drug services
- support coordinated care for people with alcohol and other drug, mental health and broader support needs
Our approach
Healthy North Coast works with people, communities, providers, primary care and system partners to support a more connected alcohol and other drug treatment system across the North Coast.
Our approach supports local services that reduce harm, respond to regional needs and support recovery. We recognise that recovery is shaped by health, social, cultural and community factors. People may also need support with mental health, housing, family, social connection, education or work.
Our approach includes:
- using evidence, data, local intelligence and stakeholder feedback to identify alcohol and other drug treatment needs and service gaps
- commissioning services that respond to regional priorities and areas of need
- strengthening pathways between alcohol and other drug, mental health, Aboriginal health, primary care, community and hospital-based services
- supporting culturally safe and appropriate care, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- supporting flexible and recovery-focused care that reflects a person’s needs, strengths, goals, culture and stage of change
- working with providers to support safe, high quality and evidence-based care
- using data, reporting, evaluation and provider feedback to monitor service delivery and support continuous improvement
This work supports a connected system where alcohol and other drug, mental health, primary care and community services work together to reduce harm and support recovery.
Who we work with
Healthy North Coast works with commissioned providers, general practice, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, Local Health Districts, alcohol and other drug services, mental health services, peak bodies, non-government organisations, government agencies, community organisations and other regional stakeholders.
These partnerships support a one health system approach, helping people move between services safely and receive support that fits their needs.
What a person-centred alcohol and other drug system means
The aim is a person-centred alcohol and other drug system where people can understand their options, access support early and move between services safely as their needs change.
For people and communities, this means:
- care is matched to the person’s needs, strengths, culture, preferences, location and circumstances
- pathways are clearer between primary care, alcohol and other drug, mental health, Aboriginal health, community and hospital-based services
- support can start early and change intensity as people’s needs change
- culturally safe and locally relevant care is available for priority populations
- specialist, crisis or hospital-based pathways are available when immediate safety or medical concerns are present
- services work together so people stay connected to care and do not have to retell their story unnecessarily.
For referral pathways, eligibility information or service advice, contact the Healthy North Coast Integrated Community Wellbeing team.
