Information & Resources

There are many websites that provide information on alcohol and other drug issues.

Unfortunately, many of the sites available originate from organisations that have strong views on the issue and are not particularly balanced. Some sites are pro-drug and advocate for the legalisation of drugs, whereas others are extremely conservative and promote a strong abstinence message.

It is important that you are able to access accurate and up-to-date information so that you can make up your own mind about this highly controversial topic.

Here are some sites that provide good quality information:

Headspace
A fairly new site that is obviously well-funded. It has lots of information to assist people struggling to find information around alcohol and other drugs and mental health issues. It also has a video component for ‘people who don’t like to read’. This is a wonderful resource.

Australian Drug Foundation (ADF)
A great site that provides information on specific drugs and on issues such as talking to teenagers and organising a party. Lots of downloadable factsheets that are really useful.

Australian Drug Information Network (ADIN)
The Australian Drug Information Network (ADIN) is Australia’s leading alcohol and drug search directory. Here you will find reliable information on alcohol, other drugs and mental health.

Drinkwise
A website that provides extremely useful information for parents around all issues alcohol, particularly if, when and how parents should provide alcohol to their children. Full of practical strategies and tips no matter what age your child.

DrugInfo Clearinghouse
It collects, interprets and disseminates information on drug prevention. It is provided by the ADF and funded by the Victorian Government Its in-house library offers an online catalogue.

Family Drug Support
Has lots of information for families and friends of people who are using drugs. It is particularly useful for those who have never been involved in drug use who find themselves in a situation they find difficult to understand. Make sure you go to the Site Map to help you find what you need!

Cannabis Information & Support
Information all about cannabis. Factsheets are provided on a range of cannabis-related topics and the Young People’s section of this website is particularly useful, particularly if you want to navigate through it with a teenager.

National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC)
Excellent resource for fact sheets and ongoing research information Look under ‘Drug Information’ then ‘Fact Sheets’.

ACON
ACON is a health promotion organisation with a central focus on HIV/AIDS. Provides HIV prevention, health promotion, advocacy and care and support services.

Clinic 16
Sexual health services on the North Shore, Sydney, Australia. Includes The Men’s Clinic, The Beachside Clinic Manly for young people, Viral Hepatitis Clinic.

RUSH
A harm minimisation unit focusing on minimising the spread of blood born viruses primarily among people who are currently injecting drugs. Provides counselling, brief interventions, one on one education, community education, referrals and support.

Mental Health Association
Offers information and education advice about protecting mental health, mutual support and advocacy services.

Orygen
Orygen Youth Health (OYH) is a world leading youth mental health organisation based in Melbourne, with a specialised youth mental health clinical service, internationally renowned research centre and integrated training and communications program.

Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue is the national initiative to raise awareness of anxiety and depression, providing resources for recovery, management and resilience.

Black Dog Institute
A leading Australian clinic and research facility into depression.

SANE Australia
SANE Australia is a national charity helping all Australians affected by mental illness lead a better life – through campaigning, education and research.