Alcohol and other drug-related harm affects people from all walks of life, right across Western Australia.
From cultural groups to sporting clubs and workplaces, we can all support improved health and wellbeing by learning more about alcohol and other drugs and how to reduce harm.
People from all backgrounds and experience can ask for information, treatment and support, including people who:
- use alcohol and other drugs
- are affected by someone else’s alcohol or drug use now, or in the past
- want to do more to prevent or reduce alcohol and other drug-related harm in their community
- want to know more about alcohol and other drug issues and services for their work.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are welcome at alcohol and other drug services throughout Western Australia.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander alcohol and other drug workers are highly valued by WA’s alcohol and other drug services.
All alcohol and other drug services in Western Australia that are certified against a recognised quality standard are expected to be culturally secure for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Aboriginal Community Controlled alcohol and other drug services in Western Australia are run by Aboriginal people. These services work closely with local Aboriginal communities to understand what is needed. Anyone can access these services, you do not need to identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
More Information for People Who Are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- GreenBook Directory of Alcohol and other Drug Services in WA to find Aboriginal-run services in the ‘Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation – ACCO’ category.
- Strong Spirit Strong Mind Aboriginal Program – useful information about alcohol and other drug use and mental health
- Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet – Alcohol and other Drug Knowledge Centre (AODKC) – for health professionals and communities.
People from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) Backgrounds
Everyone in Western Australia should have the information needed to make decisions about alcohol and other drugs.
Alcohol and other drug services:
- can arrange for an interpreter in your language for counselling sessions – including Auslan and Aboriginal languages.
- may offer information in languages other than English
- may run groups or information sessions specifically for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
More Information for People from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds
- WANADA Interpreter Access Program (member access only) – may be able to cover the cost of an interpreter during counselling sessions.
- If you call the Alcohol and Drug Support Service and English is not your first language, you can get free translation support through the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) by phoning 131 450.
Women and/or Families
Women and families are encouraged to seek support from alcohol and other drug services when needed. In Western Australia, there are services that:
- Work only with women in the community, including women who have children
- Offer women-only programs in the community
- Work with women who have children in residential treatment
- Work with whole families in residential treatment
- Offer services that may better suit women who have children or other commitments, for example home withdrawal or day programs.
- Support women experiencing family and domestic violence as well as issues related to alcohol and other drug use.
- Offer a creche or access to childcare while a parent or caregiver attends an appointment or group.
- work with parents, children and other family members affected by another person’s alcohol and other drug use.
More Information for Women and/or Families
- GreenBook Directory of Alcohol and other Drug Services in WA – find services for women and families.
- WANADA’s Childcare Access Program – supporting parents to attend alcohol and other drug counselling and support.
LGBTQIA+ People
All alcohol and other drug services in Western Australia that are certified against a recognised quality standard are expected to be inclusive and safe for LGBTQIA+ people.
Many alcohol and other drug services in Western Australia meet the Rainbow Tick Standards. The Rainbow Tick Accreditation Program supports health and community organisations to understand and implement LGBTQIA+ safe and inclusive service delivery.
More information for people who are LGBTQIA+
- Green Book Directory of Alcohol and other Drug Services in WA – search for services that meet the Rainbow Tick Standards.
Young People
People of all ages are impacted by alcohol and other drug use – whether their own use, or that of a friend or family member. People are encouraged to seek support, information and treatment when needed, regardless of age.
In Western Australia, alcohol and other drug services for young people include:
- Prevention and education services that target young people
- Youth withdrawal service
- Youth residential rehabilitation service
- Youth counselling service
- Diversion programs for young people who have been charged with an alcohol or other drug-related offence
- Homelessness service for young people impacted by alcohol and other drug and mental health issues
- Drug Education and Support Workers at WA’s youth accommodation services.
- Youth outreach services
- Harm reduction and support services for young people
- Counselling and groups for young people impacted by a parent or other family members’ alcohol and other drug use.
Some services are youth specific, however many other services will offer counselling and support for young people.
More Information on Young People and Alcohol and other Drugs
- GreenBook Directory of Alcohol and other Drug Services in WA – search or browse for services specifically for young people and youth.
- Young People’s Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drug Use: Priorities for Action 2020-2025 – WA Mental Health Commission