The Illawarra Shoalhaven Drug and Alcohol Service

Summary

This video highlights the supportive and non-judgmental services offered at a drug and alcohol support center. It showcases how individuals, including those struggling with addiction, their families, and even indigenous communities, can access counseling, group support, and health services tailored to their needs. Clients feel welcomed and relieved by the free services, confidential environment, and personalized care. The center helps people address their goals, whether it's overcoming addiction or using drugs more safely, with the overall aim of improving lives and offering hope for a better future.

Takeaways

• 😀 People seek help at the drug and alcohol service for a variety of reasons, including their own drug use, a loved one's addiction, or simply for counseling or support groups.
• 😀 The service assists individuals with both illicit drugs and prescription medications, including alcohol, and offers help to people of various ages, backgrounds, and situations.
• 😀 Making an appointment at the service is easy, and staff are welcoming, ensuring the process is smooth and suited to the client's schedule.
• 😀 The service is free, which alleviates concerns about affordability and makes it accessible to a wider range of people.
• 😀 Confidentiality is a top priority, and clients feel safe knowing their personal information and discussions will not be shared without consent.
• 😀 Clients are supported in setting and working toward their personal goals, whether that's to stop using drugs altogether or use them more safely.
• 😀 The service connects people with other community services, offering a more comprehensive support system.
• 😀 Counseling often brings a sense of relief and hope, with clients feeling more positive about making progress with their addiction issues.
• 😀 The staff never push clients to make changes they aren't ready for, ensuring clients can go at their own pace.
• 😀 The service also helps individuals with detoxification, physical health assessments, and managing withdrawal from substances like alcohol.
• 😀 Family and friends of people struggling with addiction can also benefit from the service, including support groups and the ability to bring loved ones into counseling sessions for joint support.

Q & A

What services are provided at the drug and alcohol service?

The service offers counseling, support groups, consultations with doctors and nurses, and assistance for people dealing with both illicit drugs and prescription medications, as well as alcohol use.

Who can access the drug and alcohol service?

The service is available to people of various backgrounds, including young people aged 12 and up, adults, pregnant women, individuals with court issues, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

How can someone make an appointment at the drug and alcohol service?

Making an appointment is easy. Individuals can simply call the service or walk in, and the staff will work with them to schedule an appointment that suits their needs.

What makes the drug and alcohol service welcoming for clients?

The staff is friendly, non-judgmental, and makes sure that clients feel comfortable and welcome. The process is smooth, and the service ensures confidentiality.

What is the significance of the service being free of charge?

The fact that the service is free of charge is a significant consideration for many clients. It helps alleviate the concern about whether they would be able to afford help and makes it more accessible for people in need.

How does the service maintain confidentiality?

The service ensures that all client information is kept confidential, providing a safe space for individuals to discuss sensitive matters without fear of judgment or their information being shared.

What types of support does the service offer for individuals with drug use issues?

The service offers a range of support, including helping clients stop using drugs altogether, use drugs more safely, and connect with other services in the area. They also provide clean needles and injecting equipment if necessary.

What emotional benefits do clients report after starting counseling at the service?

Clients often feel relieved and experience a sense of hope after starting counseling, as they begin to make positive steps toward managing their addictions.

How does the service approach clients who are unsure or nervous about seeking help?

The service takes a patient and understanding approach, ensuring that no one is asked to do anything they are not comfortable with. Clients can take things at their own pace, and the staff makes them feel at ease.

How does the service support family members and carers of individuals with addiction issues?

The service provides support for families and carers, offering group sessions and one-on-one meetings. These sessions help family members better understand addiction and support their loved ones in their recovery journey.