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Withdrawal management and residential rehabilitation services

NSW Health funded alcohol and other drug (AOD) withdrawal management and residential rehabilitation services are available through public and non-government providers.

The services listed below are not emergency services. If you require urgent medical attention, contact or attend your local hospital or general practitioner, or call 000 for an ambulance.

On the page

  1. AOD withdrawal management
  2. AOD residential rehabilitation
  3. More information

AOD withdrawal management

Withdrawal management is the short-term medical and psychological care of a person experiencing withdrawal symptoms as a result of stopping or reducing use of their drug of dependence. Withdrawal management may also be known as detoxification or detox, and is provided in outpatient, inpatient and residential settings.

A full assessment of a person’s health and service needs is undertaken to determine how best to provide withdrawal management if needed.

NSW Health funded inpatient and residential withdrawal management services

Calvary Riverina Drug and Alcohol Centre, Calvary Health Care
Provides residential withdrawal management and rehabilitation service for men and women.
Location: Wagga Wagga
Contact: (02) 6932 6800

Corella Inpatient Withdrawal Unit, South Western Sydney Local Health District
Inpatient withdrawal for men and women aged 18 years and over
Location: Fairfield, Sydney
Contact: Drug and Alcohol Central Intake, 1300 031 131

Gorman Unit, St Vincent’s Health Network
Inpatient withdrawal for men and women aged 18 years and over.
Location: Darlinghurst, Sydney
Contact: (02) 9361 8080

Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Service (IDAS) at Royal North Shore Hospital​​, Northern Sydney Local Health District
Inpatient withdrawal for men and women aged 18 years and over
Location: St Leonards, Sydney
Contact: Drug and Alcohol Central Intake, 1300 889 788

Inpatient Withdrawal Unit, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District
Inpatient withdrawal for men and women aged 16 years and over
Location: Kingswood, Nepean
Contact: Drug and Alcohol Central Intake, 1300 661 050

Inpatient Treatment Unit, Sydney Local Health District
Inpatient withdrawal for men and women aged 18 years and over.
Location: Concord, Sydney
Contact: Drug and Alcohol Central Intake, 1800 793 466

Jarrah House, Women’s Alcohol and Drug Advisory Centre
Residential withdrawal management and rehabilitation for women with or without young children.
Location: Malabar, Sydney
Contact: (02) 9661 6555

Lakeview Unit, Hunter New England Local Health District

Inpatient withdrawal for men and women aged 18 years and over
Location: Belmont, Newcastle
Contact: Drug and Alcohol Central Intake, 1300 660 059

Maruma-li, Central Coast Local Health District
Inpatient withdrawal for men and women aged 18 years and over
Location: Wyong, Central Coast
Contact: Drug and Alcohol Central Intake, (02) 4394 4880

Milton Luger Detoxification Unit , Odyssey House NSW
7-10 day residential withdrawal management for men and women.
Location: Ingleburn, Sydney
Contact: 1800 397 739

Riverlands, Northern NSW Local Health District
Inpatient withdrawal for men and women aged 18 years and over.
Location: Lismore, Northern NSW
Contact: Drug and Alcohol Central Intake, (02) 6620 7608

Triple Care Farm, Mission Australia
28 day residential withdrawal management for young people aged 16-24 years.
Location: Robertson
Contact: (02) 9219 2002

Watershed Withdrawal Management Lives Lived Well, Watershed Withdrawal Management Lives Lived Well
Residential withdrawal management and rehabilitation for people aged 18 years and older.
Location: Berkeley, Illawarra
Contact: 1300 727 957

William Booth House Recovery Services,The Salvation Army
Residential withdrawal management and rehabilitation for men and women.
Location: Surry Hills, Sydney
Contact: (02) 9212 2322

Wyla Withdrawal , Lives Lived Well
Residential withdrawal management for men and women 18 years and older.
Location: Orange, Western NSW
Contact: 1300 727 957

AOD residential rehabilitation

Residential rehabilitation is the psychological care and support for people in an AOD-free residential community setting. Residential rehabilitation programs may be medium to long-term in duration (4 weeks to 12 months) and provide a range of support services such as individual and group counselling, physical health and well-being, and education and skills training. Some residential rehabilitation services provide programs for populations with specific needs, such as young people and women with children.

A full assessment of a person’s health and service needs is undertaken to determine how best to provide residential rehabilitation and if the service contacted is the best fit. Many residential rehabilitation services require people to have completed AOD withdrawal before admission to residential rehabilitation treatment.

NSW Health funded residential rehabilitation services

Adele House, St Vincent de Paul Society
4-9 month residential rehabilitation for men over 18 years.
Location: Coffs Harbour, Mid North Coast
Contact: (02) 5776 0260

Calvary Riverina Drug and Alcohol Centre, Calvary Health Care
Residential withdrawal management and rehabilitation service for men and women
Location: Wagga Wagga
Contact: (02) 6932 6800

Dooralong Transformation Centre, The Salvation Army
Residential rehabilitation for men and women.
Location: Dooralong, Central Coast
Contact: (02) 9212 2322

EloueraLives Lived Well
Six week residential rehabilitation for women 18 years and older, with or without children under the age of 12 years.
Location: Orange, Western NSW
Contact: 1300 596 366

Freeman House, St Vincent de Paul Society
3-12 month residential rehabilitation for men and women over 18 years.
Location: Armidale, New England
Contact: (02) 6776 8117

Grow Residential Rehabilitation, Grow NSW
Residential rehabilitation for adult men and women with coexisting drug and alcohol and mental health issues.
Location: Hoxton Park, Western Sydney
Contact: (02) 9606 0579

Guthrie House, Guthrie
Three month residential rehabilitation for women aged 18 years and over, with their accompanying babies.
Location: Enmore, Sydney
Contact: (02) 9564 5977

Jarrah House, Women’s Alcohol and Drug Advisory CentreWomen’s Alcohol and Drug Advisory Centre
Residential withdrawal management and rehabilitation for women with or without young children.
Location: Malabar, Sydney
Contact: (02) 9661 6555

Kamira, Kamira
5-7 month residential rehabilitation for women, 18 years and older, pregnant women and women with children.
Location: Wyong, Central Coast
Contact: (02) 4392 1341

Kathleen York House, Alcohol and Drug Foundation NSW
Six month residential program for women, 21 years and older, with or without children under the age of 12 years.
Location: Glebe, Sydney
Contact: (02) 9660 5818

Kedesh Rehabilitation Services, Kedesh
Eight week residential rehabilitation for people aged 16 years and older.
Location: Berkeley, Illawarra
Contact: (02) 4222 1800

Namatjira Haven
2-9 month residential rehabilitation for Aboriginal men 18 years and older.
Location: Alstonville, Northern NSW
Contact: (02) 6628 1098

Odyssey House, Odyssey House NSW
9-12 month residential rehabilitation for men and women, based on a therapeutic community model. Odyssey also provides a residential Parent’s and Children’s Program for men and women with children up to 12 years of age.
Location: Eagle Vale, Sydney
Contact: 1800 397 739

Oolong House, Oolong Aboriginal Corporation
Four month residential rehabilitation tailored for Aboriginal men.
Location: Nowra, South Coast
Contact: (02) 4422 0644

Phoebe House, Phoebe
Six month residential program for women 20 years and older who are participating in the opioid treatment program (OTP) and have children under school age.
Location: Arncliffe, Sydney
Contact: (02) 9005 1570

Program for Adolescent Life Management (PALM), Noffs Foundation
Three month residential rehabilitation for young people aged 13-17 years.
Location: Randwick, Sydney
Contact: (02) 9305 6235

The Buttery, The Buttery
3-6 month residential rehabilitation for men and women 20 years and older
Location: Bangalow, Northern NSW
Contact: (02) 6687 1111

The Glen, Ngaimpe Aboriginal Corporation
Three month residential rehabilitation for men aged 18 years and older, with a focus on Aboriginal men.
Location: Chittaway Point, Central Coast
Contact: (02) 4388 6360

Watershed Rehabilitation Program Lives Lived Well, Watershed Rehabilitation Program Lives Lived Well
Residential rehabilitation program for people aged 18 years and over. 6 week residential program with continuing care available via community based day program and supported transitional housing.
Location: Berkeley, Illawarra
Contact: 1300 727 957

Wayback Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre, Wayback Limited
Long-term supported residential care for adult men.
Location: Western Sydney
Contact: (02) 9633 4800

Weigelli Centre, Weigelli Aboriginal Corporation
Three month residential rehabilitation for men and women aged 18 years and older, with a focus on Aboriginal people.
Location: Cowra, Western NSW
Contact: (02) 6345 1868

WHOs Residential Therapeutic Programs, We Help Ourselves (WHOs)
WHOs provide a range of residential rehabilitation programs for men and women, women only, and men only across several sites. People must be aged 18 years or older.
Location: Sydney and Cessnock (Hunter Valley)
Contact: (02) 8572 7444

William Booth House Recovery Services, The Salvation Army
Residential withdrawal management and rehabilitation (Bridge Program) for men and women.
Location: Surry Hills, Sydney
Contact: (02) 9212 2322

Wyla Residential, Lives Lived Well
Six-week to 12-week residential rehabilitation for men and women
Location: Orange, Western NSW
Contact: 1300 727 957

About the Centre for Alcohol and Other Drugs

Structure

The Centre for Alcohol and Other Drugs is responsible for developing, managing and coordinating NSW Ministry of Health policy, strategy and program funding relating to the prevention, minimisation and treatment of alcohol and drug related harm. The branch also supports the maintenance of relevant legislative frameworks, including drug and alcohol treatment legislation.

The work of Centre for Alcohol and Other Drugs is delivered through the drug and alcohol program, in partnership with local health districts, Justice Forensic and Mental Health, Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, NSW Health pillars and affiliated health organisations, non-government organisations, research institutions and other partner organisations​.

The Centre for Alcohol and Other Drugs is configured into two program areas:

  • Alcohol and Other Drugs Clinical Services and Programs
  • Alcohol and Other Drugs Systems and Strategy

Alcohol and Other Drugs Clinical Services and Programs consists of five teams and is supported by a Clinical Advisor:

  • AOD Clinical Governance and Systems
  • AOD Clinical Services
  • AOD Diversion and Treatment Access Programs
  • AOD Harm Minimisation
  • AOD Prevention and Education

Alcohol and Other Drugs Systems and Strategy consists of six teams:

  • AOD Strategy, Policy and Engagement
  • AOD Systems Performance Management
  • AOD Strategic Research and Evaluation
  • AOD Data Systems and Analytics
  • Toxicity, Response, Epidemiology and Surveillance
  • AOD Programs and Services Operations

Funding

The 2021-22 budget for alcohol and other drugs is $330 million for drug and alcohol services in NSW. 

The funding is allocated to local health districts and non-government organisations to provide core drug and alcohol services, including:

  • inpatient withdrawal management, hospital based drug and alcohol consultation liaison services, specialist drug and alcohol treatment services
  • advice, referral and counselling services, brief and early intervention programs
  • community based education and information programs
  • residential rehabilitation and aftercare services
  • NGO partnerships

Drug and Alcohol Chief Addiction Specialist

The role of the Drug and Alcohol Chief Addiction Medicine Specialist at the NSW Ministry of Health is to provide:

  • advice on drug and alcohol clinical matters to the Director of the Alcohol and Other Drugs Branch and staff
  • information on new developments in drug and alcohol clinical treatment and care
  • leadership on the development and monitoring of a clinical governance framework for NSW drug and alcohol services
  • support to NSW clinical staff at times where local clinical leadership is not available.​

Programs

Drug and alcohol programs

Contact information, support and treatment services

Alcohol and other drug information, support and treatment is available through publicly funded and private services across New South Wales.

These services are not emergency services. If you require urgent medical attention, contact or attend your local hospital or general practitioner, or call 000 for ambulance.

Alcohol and Other Drugs Information Service (ADIS) telephone services

Phone: 1800 250 015

ADIS provides 24 hour 7 day a week telephone counselling, support, referrals and information for those affected by alcohol or other drugs. ADIS counsellors are trained to work with people who are concerned about their own alcohol and drug use, as well as callers who are concerned about their family or friends. ADIS is a free service which is available to all residents of NSW.

Local intake lines

Each NSW Health local health district has a local central intake telephone line to connect people with alcohol and other drug services in that region. Note that some local intake lines operate during business hours only. ADIS can be contacted 24 hours 7 days a week. To access a local public drug and alcohol service, please contact your local health district:

Helplines

Family Drug Support (FDS)

Phone: 1300 368 186

Family Drug Support (FDS)provides 24 hours a day, 7 days a week telephone support to families and carers in crisis due to alcohol and other drug use issues. FDS is staffed by volunteers who have experience of family members with alcohol and other drug use. FDS also provide face-to-face support meetings and resources for family members.

Opioid Treatment Line (OTL)

Phone: 1800 642 428

The Opioid Treatment Line (OTL) provides information, advice and referral to opioid treatment options. The OTL is a free service available Monday to Friday: 9:30am to 5pm.

NSW Quitline

Phone: 13 78 48 (13 QUIT)

The NSW Quitline is a confidential telephone information and advice service to help smokers quit and stay quit. Quitline Advisors (including Aboriginal and multilingual advisors) are available:

  • Monday to Friday: 7am to 10:30pm
  • Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 9am to 5pm

Drug and Alcohol Specialist Advisory Service (DASAS)

  • Sydney metropolitan: (02) 9361 8006
  • Regional and rural NSW: 1800 023 687

The DASAS Helpline assists health professionals seeking advice about the diagnosis and treatment of patients with alcohol or drug issues. The DASAS is a free service available to NSW health professionals 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

Support Services

ACON

Phone: (02) 9206 2000

ACON is a NSW based health promotion based organisation specialising in HIV prevention, HIV support and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) health. ACON provides a free short-term counselling service to LGBTI people and people living with HIV who have a drug and alcohol problem. ACON’s counsellors work from a harm reduction approach to assist clients in Sydney metropolitan area to reach their goals to manage, reduce or quit their use.

NSW Users & AIDS Association (NUAA)

  • Sydney metropolitan: (02) 8354 7300
  • Regional and rural NSW: 1800 644 413
NSW Users & AIDS Association (NUAA) is a peer based organisation advocating for people who use drugs, particularly those who inject drugs. NUAA provides advice, information and referral on matters relating to injecting drug use, blood borne viruses and services and programs available for people using drugs. NUAA also runs a needle and syringe exchange program.

Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Care Charter

About the AOD Care Charter

The AOD Care Charter guides all staff to deliver care that is safe, accessible, equitable, and non-judgemental. The AOD Care Charter aims to improve the experiences and health outcomes of people who use or have used alcohol and other drugs.

The AOD Care Charter calls on all staff to reflect on their work practice and provides a framework for services to assess their culture, policies, processes and physical and social environments.

All health services in NSW should deliver care in line with the AOD Care Charter.

Key principles of the AOD Care Charter

Find out what to do and why it matters:

Ensure effective communication and engagement
  • Treat the person with respect, dignity and courtesy.
    Everyone deserves equal treatment, you may be the only health contact I have.
  • Create a safe and welcoming environment.
    When the environment is culturally safe, calm and contained, everyone is less stressed
  • Provide trauma-informed, person-centred care.
    Be mindful, I may be vulnerable. My voice, choices and needs matter.
  • Listen to the person’s presenting needs.
    Listen to understand my experience and challenges. Empathy and non-judgemental care builds trust.
  • Use person-centred and accessible non-technical language and be aware of body language.
    Clear and welcoming words allow me to understand my treatment and what I need to do next. Clear is kind. See Language Matters and other resources.
  • Respect individual, cultural and religious differences.
    Health services are for everyone. Respecting my values and beliefs promotes inclusion and equity.
  • Objectively assess and treat the presenting issue to ensure correct diagnosis and timely, equitable treatment.
    My drug or alcohol use may not be the reason I am here today. Do not assume I am drug seeking if I disclose drug use.
  • Be informed or seek appropriate consultation to address the person’s needs and provide appropriate referrals.
    This will lead to a better therapeutic outcome and may reduce the number of times I have to come into a service. If I need pain medication, consider my pain threshold and medication tolerance, or seek appropriate consultation.
  • Develop treatment plans with the person and provide options for care. Include family/carers as partners with person’s consent.
    I am the expert of my life. Explore all options with me and take my views and suggestions into account.
  • Seek permission to discuss substance use and if so, provide information on harm reduction and managing health effects of AOD use.
    I may not want to change my AOD use or may have barriers to accessing treatment. Help me manage the side effects of using AOD.

​

  • Respect the person’s privacy and confidentiality and do not disclose information unless authorised.
    My AOD use is a personal matter that I may not wish to share with everyone. When relevant to my care, use discretion.
  • Be honest and upfront about mandatory reporting obligations.
    Trust and connection enable me to be open and frankly discuss my issues. I can choose what I wish to disclose.
  • Use non-stigmatising language in the person’s medical records.
    Communicate my story sensitively as this will affect how I’m perceived and treated now and in the future. See Language Matters and other resources.
  • Be clear about care delivery policies when a person is under the influence of AOD and provide a supportive environment until treatment can occur.
    This can help to de-escalate the situation in what could be one of my most unwell or difficult situations.
  • Be transparent about what specialist AOD services are available and what you can and can’t do. Refer and support the person to access other available services.
    This helps me manage my expectations around care and what I need to do next.
  • Provide access to peer workers within services where possible.
    Peer workers help build trust, emotional safety, and help me navigate services and treatment.
  • Provide opportunity for feedback.
    I would like to have any concerns addressed and share my experience to improve quality of health care services

Signatories

Adopt the AOD Care Charter within your service

Find tips and resources to help you adopt the AOD Care Charter and provide better experiences and health outcomes for people who use or have used alcohol and other drugs.

How to adopt the AOD Care Charter
Join the list of signatories

Acknowledgement of contributions

The AOD Care Charter was co-designed with people with a lived or living experience of alcohol and other drug use and with clinicians. It is a partnership between the NSW Ministry of Health, NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation, NSW Users and AIDS Association (NUAA) and Network of Alcohol and other Drugs Agencies (NADA).

The NSW Ministry of Health would like to acknowledge and thank the Co-Design Working Group who developed the AOD Care Charter and made a major contribution to implementation planning:

  • Alice Pierce
  • Briallen Lloyd
  • Francine Campbell
  • Jocasta Fitzpatrick
  • Laura Griffin
  • Marisa Ronsisvalle
  • Michael Clark
  • Pip Morris
  • Ryan Webster
  • Angela Thornhill
  • Daria Erihe
  • Grace Ha
  • Kate Masters
  • Laura Purcell
  • Mary Ellen Harrod
  • Michele Campbell
  • Raewyn Whiting
  • Suzie Hudson.
  • Angus Mason
  • Fabian Galbraith
  • Jennifer Uzabeaga
  • Kevin Street
  • Lucy Pepolim
  • Melissa Romeo
  • Nigel Woudsma
  • Regina Nagy
Current as at: Tuesday 14 January 2025
Contact page owner: Centre for Alcohol and Other Drugs

Partnerships

The Alcohol and Other Drugs Branch (AODB) has a major strategic role with local health districts and specialty networks in developing policy on partnerships with Government, non-government organisations (NGOs) and other relevant stakeholders. This includes improving services for people with drug & alcohol problems, engaging the government and NGO sector, optimising government and NGO contribution, and evaluating outcomes.

Network of Alcohol and Drug Agencies

The Network of Alcohol and Drug Agencies(NADA) is the peak organisation for the non-government alcohol and other drugs sector in NSW. NADA’s vision is one of a connected and sustainable sector providing quality evidence based programs to reduce alcohol and drug related harms to NSW communities.

NADA represents approximately 100 organisational members in NSW and the ACT that provide a broad range of services including health promotion and harm reduction, early intervention, treatment and aftercare programs. Their members comprise of services that are diverse in their structure, philosophy and approach to alcohol and other drugs service delivery.

NADA provides a range of programs and services that focus on sector and workforce development, information management, research and evaluation, governance and management support, sector representation and advocacy, as well as actively contributing to public health policy.

Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council of NSW

The Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council of New South Wales (AH&MRC) is the peak representative body of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) and voice of Aboriginal communities on health in NSW. The AH&MRC website provides a range of resources for Aboriginal communities.

The NSW Ministry of Health provides funds to the AH&MRC to manage the Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Network or ADAN. The ADAN supports Aboriginal drug and alcohol workers from local health districts, Aboriginal community controlled health services and non-government organisations to better respond to and treat people with drug and alcohol issues in their own communities. For more information about the ADAN please contact the ADAN Senior Project Officer, AH&MRC on (02) 9212-4777.

ACCHSs deliver culturally appropriate comprehensive primary health and health-related services based on the Aboriginal definition of health.

“Aboriginal health means not just the physical wellbeing of an individual but the social, emotional and cultural wellbeing of the whole Community in which each individual is able to achieve their full potential as a human being, thereby bringing about the total wellbeing of their Community. It is a whole-of-life view and includes the cyclical concept of life-death-life.”

NSW Drug and Alcohol Clinical Research and Improvement Network (DACRIN)

The NSW Drug and Alcohol Clinical Research and Improvement Network (DACRIN) is a collaborative network of Local Health District, Health Network and non-government organisation alcohol and other drug (AOD) services committed to working together to enhance clinical research throughout NSW AOD services.

Supported by the Ministry of Health, DACRIN is a member led organisation which aims to improve clinical research across the NSW AOD sector by providing opportunities for collaborations and partnerships between AOD services, clinicians, researchers and consumers; sharing of resources; improving the experiences of people impacted by alcohol and other drugs and facilitating high quality research with outcomes that matter.

NSW Users & AIDS Association

NSW Users & AIDS Association (NUAA) is a peer based organisation advocating for people who use drugs particularly those who inject drugs. NUAA provides advice, information and referral on matters relating to injecting drug use, blood borne viruses and services and programs available for people using drugs. NUAA runs a range of programs including a needle and syringe program, a health clinic, development and distribution of health education resources, drug and alcohol consumer advocacy and peer support.

Music festival harm reduction

​​​On this page

Keeping people safe at music festivals

Guidelines for music festival event organisers

Health and medical plans

Contact details

Harm reduction messages

Further information

Keeping people safe at music festivals

NSW Health is committed to working with music festival organisers and private medical providers to keep people safe at music festivals.

Following changes to the Music Festivals Act 2019 commencing 1 October 2024, all music festival organisers in NSW must prepare and comply with a health and medical plan (also called a HMP). Some music festivals must have a health and medical plan that has been agreed to by NSW Health. To find out more about this process, visit NSW Government – Planning a music festival and read the guidance and FAQs provided.

NSW Health provides Guidelines for Music Festival Organisers: Music Festival Harm Reduction and a DOC Health and medical plan template for event organisers. Together, these two documents help festival organisers to adopt best-practice strategies to help keep people safe and well at their events.

Guidelines for music festival event organisers: Music festival harm reduction

The NSW Health Guidelines for Music Festival Organisers: Music Festival Harm Reduction provide health, medical and harm reduction information and advice to support music festival organisers plan and deliver safer music festivals.

The guidelines help music festival organisers to know what health and medical risks to anticipate, to understand which harm reduction strategies are considered best practice, and to calculate what level of resourcing is needed to manage those risks and help event patrons stay safe and well.

The guidelines are updated regularly to reflect current best practice and experience. Feedback on the guidelines can be provided to MOH-musicfestivals@health.nsw.gov.au

Health and medical plans

A DOChealth and medical plan template​​ has been developed to support festival organisers to plan and document the resourcing they’ll need to manage health and medical risks.

All music festival organisers in NSW must prepare and comply with a health and medical plan.

Festival organisers can use this DOCchecklist ​to ensure their plans are consistent with the guidelines.

Music festivals that do not require an agreed health and medical plan do not need to submit their document to NSW Health.

Music festivals that do require an agreed health and medical plan must submit their draft plan to NSW Health for review at least 60 days before the event. Email it to: moh-musicfestivals@health.nsw.gov.au

NSW Health’s role is to assess the plans of music festivals that require an agreed heath and medical p​​lan, to ensure they are consistent with the guidelines.

Contact details

Harm reduction messages

Music festival organisers and promoters play an important role in communicating harm reduction messages to patrons. Harm reduction messages can be delivered before, during and after events. These messages can be distributed using festival communication channels including social media platforms, websites and promotional material.

Harm reduction messages should encourage patrons to seek help early if they experience adverse effects from drug and alcohol use and advertise the presence and location of care spaces, harm reduction service and medical services.

Harm reduction messages may include:

  • Seek help if you feel unwell. You won’t get into trouble for telling a health care professional what drugs you’ve taken. Medical services and care spaces are available onsite.
  • You’re a mate, not a doctor so don’t be afraid to seek help for someone who is unwell.
  • It’s a good idea to stay close to your mates. Agree on a place and time to meet, in case you get separated. Don’t rely on your mobile phone – your battery could go flat or the network could be overloaded.
  • Drink enough water to stay hydrated, especially if you’re drinking alcohol.
  • Alcohol and other drugs can affect your body’s ability to maintain a normal temperature. Wear sun protection, take regular breaks in the shade and have warm clothes ready for when the sun goes down. Ask for help if you start feeling unusually hot or overheated.
  • Festivals can become overwhelming. If you’re feeling distressed or anxious, tell a trusted friend how you feel and move away from loud music. Find a calm place to chill out and seek help if you need it.

Music festival organisers, venues, and peer-based harm reduction services can use the Stay OK toolkit, which contains digital creative assets and print-ready media to promote harm reduction messaging to NSW festivalgoers.

For more information about drugs and alcohol, visit YourRoom to get the facts.

Harm reduction videos

NSW Health has developed a series of short harm reduction videos. These videos can be used by event organisers and promoters and we encourage you to share them on your social networks.

Sophie: Overdose survivor

Useful links

​It is important that clients and their families and carers have access to appropriate information about drug and alcohol, and also support to navigate their way through the health system.

NSW Health also provides a wide range of Information for family and carers.

Drug and alcohol

Australian

ADF
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) aims to work together to prevent alcohol and other drug problems in communities. The ADF holds the contract with the NSW Ministry of Health to manage the Community Engagement and Action Program, which supports a network of Community Drug Action Teams across NSW.
Al-Anon/Alateen
Al-Anon/Alateen helps families and friends of alcoholics recover from the effects of living with someone whose drinking is a problem. Similarly, Alateen is a recovery program for young people. Alateen groups are sponsored by Al-Anon members. Alateen provides support for teenagers affected by the problem drinking of a parent or other family member.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.
Australian National Advisory Council on Alcohol and Drugs
The Australian National Advisory Council on Alcohol and Drugs (ANACAD) was established in 2014 as the principal expert advisory body to the Australian Government on issues relating to alcohol and other drugs. ANACAD reports directly to Minister responsible for alcohol and other drugs in the Health portfolio.
Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and Other Drugs
The Australian National Advisory Council on Alcohol and Drugs (ANACAD) was established in 2014 as the principal expert advisory body to the Australian Government on issues relating to alcohol and other drugs. ANACAD reports directly to Minister responsible for alcohol and other drugs in the Health portfolio.
Chapter of Addiction Medicine (RACP)
The Australasian Chapter of Addiction Medicine (AChAM) is established within the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP). The Chapter educates and supports medical practitioners who work with people who have problems arising from the use of drugs.
Drug and Alcohol Clinical Research and Improvement Network (DACRIN)
The New South Wales (NSW) Drug and Alcohol Clinical Research and Improvement Network (DACRIN) is a collaborative network of Local Health District, Health Network and non-government organisation alcohol and other drug (AOD) services committed to working together to enhance clinical research throughout NSW AOD services.
Foundation for Alcohol Research & Education (FARE)
The Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE), formerly the Alcohol Education & Rehabilitation Foundation (AERF), is an independent, not-for-profit, national health organisation based in Canberra, Australia. The Foundation was set up to distribute funding for programs and research that aimed to prevent the harms caused by alcohol and licit substance misuse.
National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA)
The National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA) is a collaborative venture between Flinders University and the South Australian Department of Health. NCETA. It is an internationally recognised research Centre that works as a catalyst for change in the alcohol and drugs field.
National Drug & Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC)
The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) is a premier research institution in Australia and is recognised internationally as a Research Centre of Excellence. The Centre is multidisciplinary and collaborates with medicine, psychology, social science and other schools of the University of NSW, as well as with a range of other institutions and individuals in Australia and overseas.
National Drug Research Institute (NDRI)
The National Drug Research Institute (NDRI) conducts and disseminates high quality research that contributes to the primary prevention of harmful drug use and the reduction of drug related harm in Australia. NDRI is located at Curtin University’s Health Research Campus and receives core funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.
National Drug Strategy (Australia)
The National Drug Strategy 2017-2026 is a cooperative venture between Australian, state and territory governments and the non-government sector, is aimed at improving health, social and economic outcomes for Australians by preventing the uptake of harmful drug use and reducing the harmful effects of licit and illicit drugs in our society.
National Alcohol Strategy (Australia)
The National Alcohol Strategy 2019-2028 sets key directions to reduce harmful alcohol consumption by 10 per cent by 2029. The Strategy outlines policy options under four domain areas and across priority population groups.
National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Strategic Action Plan (Australia).
The National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Strategic Action Plan 2018-2028 provides a clear pathway of priorities and opportunities to improve the prevention, diagnosis, support and management of FASD in Australia.
National Organisation for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
The National Organisation for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Inc. (NOFASD) was established in 1999. It is Australia’s peak body representing parents, carers and others interested in or affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
Network of Alcohol and Other Drug Agencies (NADA)
The Network of Alcohol and Drug Agencies (NADA) is the peak organisation for the non-government drug and alcohol sector in NSW.
Liquor and Gaming NSW
Liquor and Gaming NSW is accountable for the development, implementation and integrity of the overall regulatory framework across alcohol, licensed clubs, charitable fundraising and gambling activities in NSW.
Reach Out
Reach Out is a web-based service that aims to improve the mental health and wellbeing of young people aged 14-25 years by providing them with information, support and skills development and by working with health professionals to strengthen the pathways between online and community based service delivery.
Turning Point Alcohol & Drug Centre
Turning Point is a national addiction treatment centre, dedicated to providing high quality, evidence-based treatment to people adversely affected by alcohol, drugs and gambling, integrated with world-leading research and education.
Your Room
Your Room is a partnership between NSW Health and St Vincent’s Alcohol and Drug Information Service and offers information about alcohol and a wide range of drugs, how they can affect people, side effects, withdrawal, and how to get help for yourself or for anyone else who needs it.

International

Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction
The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction provides national leadership and evidence-informed analysis and advice to reduce alcohol and other drug-related harm in Canada. The website provides useful information on substance abuse issues.
Drug Policy Alliance
The Drug Policy Alliance is one of the United States of America’s leading organisations promoting drug policies that are grounded in science, compassion, health and human rights. This policy and research institute is an essential resource concerning drug policy and harm reduction. Includes full-text literature on topics such as substitution and maintenance approaches.
DrugWise
DrugWise is an independent centre of expertise on drugs in the United Kingdom. Their aim is to inform policy development and reduce drug-related risk. They provide quality drug information, promote effective responses to drug taking, undertake research at local, national and international levels, advice on policy-making, encourage informed debate and speak for member organisations working on the ground.
Health Promotion Agency
The Health Promotion Agency (HPA) is an entity established in 2012 through an amalgamation of the Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand (ALAC) and the Health Sponsorship Council. . The HPA provides information, advice, research and resources to help prevent and reduce alcohol-related harm and inspire New Zealanders to make better decisions about alcohol.
Institute of Alcohol Studies
The core aim of the United Kingdom Institute of Alcohol Studies is to serve public interest on public policy issues linked to alcohol, by advocating for the use of scientific evidence in policy-making to reduce alcohol-related harm.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), a component of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the lead government agency in America for research on alcohol abuse, alcoholism, and other health effects of alcohol.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is the American Federal focal point for research on drug abuse and addiction. NIDA addresses the most fundamental and essential questions about drug abuse – from detecting and responding to emerging drug abuse trends and understanding how drugs work in the brain and body to developing and testing new treatment and prevention approaches.
National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse
Public Health England (PHE) has taken over the functions of The National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse. PHE’s role is to improve the commissioning, availability, accessibility and effectiveness of treatment for drug dependency in England and to maximise the benefits of that treatment for individuals, their families and communities.
Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP)
The principal purpose of the United States of America Government’s Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) is to establish policies, priorities, and objectives for the America’s drug control program. The goals of the program are to reduce illicit drug use, manufacturing, trafficking, drug-related crime and violence, and drug-related health consequences.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on communities in the United States of America.
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime. Established in 1997 through a merger between the United Nations Drug Control Programme and the Centre for International Crime Prevention, UNODC operates in all regions of the world through an extensive network of field offices.

General

Australian College of Nursing
The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) is a key national professional nursing organisation with a focus on nursing leadership and is open to nurses in all settings and at every stage of their career. ACN is an authorised higher education provider and registered training organisation and the Australian member of the International Council of Nurses.
Australian Institute of Family Studies
The Australian Institute of Family Studies is a Melbourne-based Australian Government statutory agency established in 1980 under the Family Law Act 1975. The Institute provides quality research into the wellbeing of Australian families. The Institute produces ‘Family Matters’, and a range of fact sheets and research reports available through their website.
Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC)
The Australian Institute of Criminology is Australia’s national research and knowledge centre on crime and justice. Australian Institute of Criminology seeks to promote justice and reduce crime by undertaking and communicating evidence-based research to inform policy and practice.
Community Development
Community Development (formerly Community Builders) NSW website is an interactive electronic clearing house for everyone involved in community level social, economic and environmental renewal including community leaders, community and government workers, volunteers, program managers, academics, policy makers, youth and seniors.
Multicultural NSW
Multicultural NSW’s purpose is to build and maintain a cohesive and harmonious multicultural society that enriches the lives of all the people of NSW. It builds strong relationships with ethnic community groups and develops and fosters extensive networks throughout various communities through its programs and services.
The Department of Communities and Justice
The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) under the Communities and Justice Cluster, promotes the safety and wellbeing of children and young people and works to build stronger families and communities. DCJ provides child protection services, parenting support and early intervention, foster care, adoption services and help for communities affected by disaster. The DCJ website has relevant resource material available through the news and publications link and the parents, carers and families links.
Families NSW
Families NSW is the NSW Government’s whole-of-government prevention and early intervention strategy that aims to provide children with the best start in life. The program is delivered by the NSW Ministry of Health, Department of Education, and the Department of Communities and Justice. The Families NSW strategy is targeted at children aged 0–8 years and their parents.
healthdirect
healthdirect is an Australian Government initiative that aims to improve the health of Australians by providing easy access to quality information and advice as well as the healthdirect nurse triage service and after hours GP helpline.
Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network
The NSW Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network provides health care in a complex environment to people in the adult correctional system, to those in courts and police cells, to juvenile detainees and to those within the NSW forensic mental health system and in the community.
Mission Australia
Mission Australia is a community service organisation committed to eliminating disadvantage and creating a fairer Australia. The organisation helps those in need to find pathways to a better life. Mission Australia assists clients with employment, training, housing, family, youth and community services issues.
Multicultural Communication Service
The NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service (Multicultural Communication) provides information and services to assist health professionals to communicate with non-English speaking communities throughout New South Wales. The NSW Department of Health funds the Service, and endorses the multilingual health information published on the website.
NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics
The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) is a statistical and research agency within the NSW Department Justice. BOSCAR assists assist policy makers and administrators in the criminal justice system to develop and implement strategies which reduce crime, and provide a more efficient, effective and equitable justice system.
NSW Commission for Children and Young People
The Advocate for Children and Young People is an independent statutory office reporting to the NSW Parliament through the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Children and Young People. The office is established under the Advocate for Children and Young People Act 2014
NSW Department of Justice
The Department of Justice delivers legal, court and supervision services to the people of NSW by managing courts and justice services, implementing programs to reduce crime and re‑offending, managing custodial and community-based correctional services, protecting rights and community standards and advising on law reform and legal matters.

The Department delivers a diverse range of essential services and supports to the community of NSW at the point in their lives where they come into contact with either the criminal or civil justice system.
Raising Children Network
The Raising Children website provides information that can help parents with the day-to-day decisions of raising children. The website was developed with the help of an extensive network including the Australian Government.
RANZCP
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) is the principal organisation representing the medical specialty of psychiatry in Australia and New Zealand. The College is responsible for training, examining and awarding the Fellowship of the College qualification to medical practitioners.
Refugee Health Service
The NSW Refugee Health Service, Sydney South West Local health District was set up by the NSW Department of Health in 1999 to help meet the challenges of refugees who had experienced trauma, torture, deprivation, violence and civil unrest. The service aims to promote the health of people from a refugee background living in NSW by assisting refugees and the health professionals who work with them.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is a church based organisation providing a wide range of services and programs to address areas of need in the community.
St Vincent de Paul
St Vincent de Paul is a non for profit church based organisation dedicated to relieving the sufferings of the poor. A range of services and programs are provided to the general community.
Youth NSW
Youth NSW, which is part of the Department of Communities and Justice, provides a web portal covering a broad range of youth issues such as money, law, environment, and housing.
Patients and Public
NSW Health
Publications
Popular links
Careers
Campaigns

NSW Health acknowledges the people of the many traditional countries and language groups of New South Wales. It acknowledges the wisdom of Elders past and present, and pays respect to all Aboriginal communities of today.