Help & Support Directory

Simply enter your location in the ADF’s Help & Support Directory to find alcohol and other drug services in your area. You can choose the type of support that you’re looking for, including family and friends counselling, alcohol and drug counselling for yourself, peer support groups, rehabilitation programs, withdrawal management, harm minimisation, pharmacotherapy and legal support or referrals.

When seeking alcohol and other drug counselling in your state through our Service Finder, service provider or intake agency, living outside a city or regional centre can be a barrier to ongoing support for reducing substance use or being in recovery. Finding services that allow counselling appointments over the phone or over a video call can help overcome that barrier.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are peer-based12-step programs that view recovery from addiction as a spiritual journey, and focus on abstinence and ongoing support. Online meetings for AA and NA are held in person and online on a regular basis around Australia. Meetings are financially supported through member or attendee donations.

There are a variety of meetings, for example meetings that cater specifically for newcomers/beginners or meetings where people read chapters from the Big Book or Living Sober and open the floor for sharing. If the meeting chairperson asks you to share and you don’t feel comfortable sharing with the group, you can tell them that you prefer to listen this time. If an online meeting asks for your camera to be on, you can add the word ‘listen’ in brackets after your name before logging in.

A support person can log into an online meeting if the online meeting listing mentions that is an open meeting, unless the word ‘closed’ appears in the listing. Closed meetings are only for people recovering from alcohol or drug addiction.

We understand that Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) in rural areas can be difficult for those wanting to remain totally anonymous. When looking for an online meeting to attend, you can type in another regional town or city in Australia to log into that meeting. You can also join international online meetings for Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA).

Community Support Forum

Counselling Online offers a free 24/7 anonymous peer support forum to those seeking help for drug and alcohol concerns. This peer-based forum is a recovery-oriented space for anyone affected to share experiences, find information and learn new strategies. It’s a non-judgemental, welcoming, and safe way to connect with others who get what you’re going through. The forums are moderated by professional drug and alcohol counsellors.

Online Chat Counselling

Online live-chat counselling connects you with qualified alcohol and other drug counsellors anywhere and anytime via our website. Access our online chat at counsellingonline.org.au 24/7 from anywhere in Australia.

SHARC runs telephone and online support, drug treatment therapy, individual and family counselling, peer support groups, and other community-based programs.

Note: Some SHARC programs are only available in Victoria. Be sure to check eligibility.

Family Drug and Gambling Help

The Family Drug and Gambling Help (FDGH) Program offers support to families and friends affected by someone’s drinking, drug use or gambling.

Residential Peer Programs

SHARC Residential Peer Programs are for adults and young people seeking recovery from alcohol and drug use. These programs provide access to safe drug-free housing and a community of people on the same journey.

Note: SHARC Residential Peer Programs are Victorian only.

SMART Recovery

SMART Recovery Australia (also known as Self-Management and Recovery Training) is a Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) based group that uses motivational tools and techniques backed by scientific research. These online meetings are free, secular and held at all different times to suit your schedule. Meetings are run by trained facilitators and provide the opportunity for people to support one another in a confidential safe space. There is a focus on setting achievable goals, which helps to make change less overwhelming and as realistic as possible.

Browse the SMART Recovery worksheets and tools from the SMART Recovery 4-Point online toolkit. A free SMART Recovery Australia app is available on the App Store or Google Play, where you can find out how to set goals, receive daily motivational messages and learn tips to manage urges.

Additionally Sober In The Country (SITC) provides an online community specifically for rural communities seeking support for alcohol use.

Bush Tribe

SITC’s Bush Tribe is an online peer support group for those in rural and remote Australia linking you to a community of people ready to cut back or quit alcohol. It’s a safe space of support where you can share experiences and it provides the option to post anonymously if preferred.