alcohol-drugs / addiction / health
Alcohol and drug help first call
How to prepare for a first alcohol or drug support call without guessing what treatment you need.
- alcohol-drugs
- addiction
- health
- national
- public-health
- crisis-routing
alcohol-drugs
If alcohol or drug use is worrying you, the first call does not need to solve everything. The safer aim is to explain what is happening, check whether anything is medically urgent, and ask what local pathway fits.
Safety and advice boundary
This is general navigation support only. It is not legal, financial, medical, eligibility, migration or crisis counselling advice. It cannot confirm your eligibility for any service. If someone is in immediate danger in Australia, call 000.
Plain-English answer
If alcohol or drug use is worrying you, the first call does not need to solve everything. The safer aim is to explain what is happening, check whether anything is medically urgent, and ask what local pathway fits.
Who this helps
People worried about their own alcohol or drug use, or about someone close to them, who need a confidential first step.
What to do next
- 1Call 000 first for overdose, unconsciousness, breathing trouble, seizure, serious injury or immediate danger.
- 2For non-emergency support, call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
- 3Write down what substance is involved, how often it is happening, and any withdrawal or mental health concerns.
Check before you act
Detox and withdrawal can be medically risky. Do not try to tough it out if symptoms feel unsafe.
Official sources
- National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline
Australian Government contact for confidential alcohol and other drug support.
- Australian Government - Drug Help
Official information on alcohol and other drug support and treatment options.
- healthdirect
Australian health information and service navigation.