Drug and Alcohol Community Information

The impact of drug and alcohol use in our community

South Western Sydney has seen an increase in drug and alcohol use. South Western Sydney Primary Health Network (SWSPHN) has led a review of local needs and found:

25.9% of adults >16 years of age drink alcohol at levels that put health at risk (compared to 22.1% across NSW)
More people are misusing pharmacy medications across Australia, with a large increase in men aged 30-39 years and women aged 40-49 years
Methamphetamine related hospitalisations have risen
Cannabis and binge drinking are the main concern in young people
People who use drug and alcohol are more likely to experience a mental health problem

National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline: 1800 250 015

Supporting Drug and Alcohol

SWSPHN has contracted drug and alcohol treatment services based on the needs of the community. Services were designed by working with the local sector and the community and will work with existing providers to better meet the needs within south western Sydney. The services provide:

Withdrawal Management
Rehabilitation
After care
Psychosocial counselling

Commissioned Services

These services have been engaged to provide greater support to the local community:

ACON
The Salvation Army
Odyssey House
St Vincent de Paul
Tharawal Aborginal Corporation

SWSPHN is also now supporting the continuation for existing services provided by:

Drug and Alcohol Multicultural Education Centre (DAMEC)
Salvation Army's FYRST program and
Rendu House in Campbelltown

Services are availabe for both people with drug use issues and their families/carers. Form more information on these services see the Commissioned Services page.

Local Services

A number service options are available for the community. Talk to your GP about your health needs and the can support you to determine the most suitable services.

South Western Sydney Local Health District Drug Health Services: A number of programs are available, see their website for more information
Service Directory: For a summary of all local services see the South Western Sydney Drug and Alcohol Service Directory

Codeine Resheduling

Since February 2018, codeine medicines are no longer available over the counter and a prescription from your GP is needed to obtain medicines. Research has found low dose medicines that have codeine are no better than similar medicines without codeine. Talk to your pharmacist about the best options. To find out more click on the links below or talk to your GP about your options.