Whether you’re an individual with an addiction or an employer who wants to help employees with issues, getting specialised drug and alcohol support is vital. But who do you turn to for help?
Drug and alcohol support for individuals
There are a number of services offered for individuals seeking drug and alcohol support. For example, there’s the widely known Alcoholics Anonymous for those seeking support for issues associated with alcohol, and organisation such as Family Drug Support and 1800 ICE Advice. There are also counselling services such as Lifeline that you can turn to. Another good place to start is with your General Practitioner.
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation has an excellent support services directory on their website, as does the Australian Drug Information Network.
Drug and alcohol support for employers
If you have a drug and alcohol management plan – and most businesses should – support for employees who are having issues with drugs and alcohol should be included in your plan. However, for many businesses, particularly smaller businesses, providing this support in-house can be difficult.
To find support for an employee, use the directories found on the Alcohol and Drug Foundation or Australian Drug Information Network websites. Local GPs can also help guide you on support services in your local area. Look for a drug and alcohol support service where you can trust that your employees will be well looked after.
The First Step to drug and alcohol support
If you live in Melbourne or its surrounds, finding drug and alcohol support, whether you’re an individual or an employer, can be as simple as taking the First Step.
Integrity Sampling is a proud supporter of First Step, a not-for-profit group that provides drug and alcohol support. First Step not only treats the addictions related to drugs and alcohol, but also the associated physical health, mental health, legal and social issues. They provide medical care delivered by doctors, mental health workers, psychologists and social workers in the one place, in essence providing a one-stop-shop for drug and alcohol support.
First Step’s services come at no cost for patients, thanks in part to Medicare rebates but also due to the support of many corporations and philanthropists.
For employers, by directing employees to First Step you can be assured your employees will be well supported, in an holistic approach. First Step also has a keen understanding of business needs and the role that employers can play in helping to get employees back on track.
So, if you live in Melbourne and surrounds and you’re an individual that needs help, or you have an employee that needs drug and alcohol support, contact First Step on 9537 3177. See First Step’s website for further information.
