Alcohol and other Drug Support

Access to quality alcohol and other drug services shouldn’t depend on where you live. And when it comes to alcohol and other drug support in rural NSW, we believe in meeting people where they are, both geographically and in their journey.

Our Alcohol and Other Drug (AoD) services bring compassionate, evidence-based support directly to remote communities, helping people make informed choices and find pathways to better health and wellbeing.

Since 2017, RFDS has partnered with Lives Lived Well to deliver AoD services. Our clinicians work from hubs in Broken Hill, Dubbo, Lightning Ridge and Cobar, delivering outreach services within a two-hour drive of each location.

Our Services

Individual Counselling & Support

Our qualified clinicians provide one-on-one counselling for people directly or indirectly affected by alcohol and other drug use. Every person’s situation is unique, and we tailor support to individual needs, goals, and circumstances.

Evidence-Based Treatment Programs

We offer a range of structured, proven programs to support recovery and wellbeing:

• SMART Recovery: A self-empowerment program teaching tools and strategies for recovery
• Positive Lifestyle Program (PLP): Helping individuals build resilience and healthier lifestyle habits
• Tackling Tobacco: Specialised smoking cessation support delivered in partnership with Cancer Council NSW. We provide professional counselling and support, access to Nicotine Replacement Therapy, ‘Quit kits’ with inhalers, lozenges, and quick mist spray; and ongoing support to help people remain smoke-free.
• Save A Mate: Peer support and education focused on harm minimisation
• Naloxone (Temporary Overdose Reversal) Program: In partnership with NSW Health, we provide naloxone training and distribution to help save lives in opioid overdose emergencies. Communities receive not only the medication but also the skills to use it effectively.

Community Education & Prevention

Working with our Local Drug Action Teams (LDAT) we deliver information and education sessions for youth, adults, and community groups. Programs are co-designed to reflect local needs and may include:

• Parent sessions on how to talk with children about drugs, alcohol, smoking and vaping
• Youth-focused programs on healthy choices and risk and harm minimisation
• Community workshops on recognising and responding to substance use issues, and community action on liquor licensing
• Training for local organisations to strengthen community support networks
• School-based education programs

Our Partnership Approach

Collaboration amplifies impact. We have longstanding, valuable partnerships with:

• Lives Lived Well: Specialist expertise in detox and rehabilitation services, plus clinical supervision and training for our team.
• Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF): Evidence-based prevention programs delivered through Local Drug Action Teams (LDATs). In partnership with the ADF we support five LDATs, more than any other organisation in Australia, across Broken Hill, Menindee, Warren, Trangie, and the entire Walgett Shire.

Accessing Our Services

Our Service Area

We provide Alcohol and Other Drug support across Western and Far West NSW from our bases in Broken Hill, Dubbo, Lightning Ridge and Cobar.

All of our Mental Health and Alcohol & Other Drug clinical services are free of charge.

• If you're within our service network, no referral is needed and you can contact us directly.
• If you have an existing mental health care plan, you can also access our services without additional referral.
• If you do not live within the Network, please speak to your GP to arrange a referral.

Crisis support

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health crisis, call:

• Call 000
• Call the RFDS Emergency Medical Line (if you usually receive services from us): 08 8088 1188
• Call Lifeline: Call 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14
• Call the NSW Rural 24-hour Mental Health Crisis Line: 1800 011 511
• Call 1800 YARN