Drug and Alcohol Advice for ADF Members and Partners

The ADF recognises that Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) use is a health issue for ADF members, requiring a health response. It encourages partners to be involved in treatment of ADF members.

There are also administrative and or punitive aspects that may arise from an ADF member’s AOD use in certain instances.

Drug and Alcohol Advice for Defence Partners

There is no Defence program for treatment of partners with alcohol and other drug issues but referrals for treatment and counselling may be sought through the Defence All Hours Support Line and the Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service.

The following Defence and Veteran information may useful for partners but they should refer to the General Resources and talk to their general practitioner for treatment options.

Defence Resources

Defence Joint Health Command Factsheets on Other Drugs:
Amphetamines, Cannabis, Ecstasy and Steroids

The Right Mix website has been developed by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to address alcohol use. It includes a Drink Measurement Tool, Online Assessment Tool for Problem Drinking.

Changing the Mix Correspondence Course is a self-help guide from the Right Mix website that includes an Assessment Tool for Problem Drinking and tips on how to cut down.

General Resources

The Online Counselling website for drugs and alcohol issues, run by Turning Point, offers counselling for people using drugs and their family members or friends. The service is available 24 hours a day for anonymous or registered users.

Family Drug Help is a service designed specifically to address the support and information needs of parents, other family members and significant others of someone with problematic alcohol or other drug use. Call 1300 660 068.

Al-Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength, and hope, in order to solve their common problems.