About the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline
Reaching out for help and support is an important first step in dealing with the issues drugs and alcohol might be causing in your life, or affecting a friend or family member.
The National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline is suitable for a range of people, including those currently struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, those looking to support a friend or loved one, general practitioners, community groups or even the general public.
Here you will find a number of different resources to help you, or help you support someone you care about.
When can the National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline be accessed?
The hotline can be called at any time, where you will automatically be connected to the Alcohol and Drug Information Service that operates in your state or territory. You can also find drug information available on their website to access at any time.
If you are experiencing an emergency please call an ambulance on 000, or if you need to speak to someone urgently please call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
Why was the National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline formed?
The National Drugs Campaign (the campaign) was developed by the Australian government to:
- raise awareness of the harms associated with illicit illegal drug use
- highlight the range of support and treatment services available
- highlight the resources for parents and guardians to empower them to talk about illegal drugs, such as ice, with their children.
The campaign’s main focus is on reducing the uptake and use of methamphetamines (ice). It also addresses other drugs in common use, such party drugs.
More Information About This Campaign
The campaign is part of the National Drug Strategy 2017–2026. It specifically aims to reduce young Australians’ motivation to use illegal drugs. It does this by increasing their knowledge about the potential negative outcomes of drug use.
The National Drug Strategy 2017–2026 is the principal policy framework across Australia for addressing legal and illegal drug issues.
The campaign has been running since 2001. The focus in the phases has been on specific drugs, depending on emerging drug trends at the time.
Formative research informs the development of each phase of the National Drugs Campaign. Conducted using qualitative and quantitative research, these projects have explored youth and parent attitudes and behaviours towards illicit drugs. They examine positive and negative perceptions of drug use, key drivers and barriers to trial and identify effective channels with which to communicate. Read the Community Attitude Research on Alcohol and other Drugs reports below.
- Community Attitude Research on Alcohol and other Drugs – Summary Report
- Community Attitude Research on Alcohol and other Drugs – Quantitative Report
- Community Attitude Research on Alcohol and other Drugs – Qualitative Report
The most recent phase of the campaign is focusing on ice (crystal methamphetamine).
Find out more about the help options available in your state or territory.
