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:
- 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 & Alcohol Services Brochure
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.
- TGA Codeine use can be harmful
- Codeine rescheduling FAQs
- Pain management network
- Chronic Pain Australia
- The Pain Toolkit
Other useful links:
- Australian Government Department of Health Drug Help - Your Room
- Alcohol Drug Information Service (ADIS) NSW
- Lifeline
- Alcohol and Drug Foundation
- Australian Drug Information Network Service Directory
- Beyond Blue
- headspace
- Mental Health
- Headstart - find local mental health services
- Daybreak webinar for PHNs
- Opioid Risk Indicator (healthdirect website) - Answer four questions to measure your risk of opioid dependency and start a conversation with your GP if needed