Western Region Alcohol and Drug Centre | Community
Western Region Alcohol and Drug Centre
Phone: 1300 009723
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25.01.2022 COVID-19 how families are coping in lockdown Living in lockdown has been hard on everyone, and especially on families where the alcohol and/or drug use by a family member is causing even more strain on family dynamics. The Family Drug Helpline (1300 660 068) has remained open throughout the lockdowns, continuing to provide support to family members, significant others and friends.... Overall, we have seen significant increase in stress and need for emotional support because lockdown has magnified existing stressors for families. In the early days of COVID restrictions, the majority of our calls centred around concerns of living in close quarters with family members and being confronted by their drug related behaviour. This included regularly leaving and returning home and lack of social distancing, creating worry about bringing infection into the family. Many families are concerned about increased alcohol and drug use by their family member. Limited access to treatment and support avenues has had an impact on their resolve to change (both for families and those using). Add to this insecurity about the future, and financial and unemployment stress; and it is no surprise that we are seeing an upturn in reports of family tensions and family violence. Lack of privacy and safe places within the home has led to calls being made to us from cars and external locations. Trending themes of calls to the helpline include: Young people and cannabis use Unemployment and alcohol use Ice use across generations People now seem to be experiencing lockdown fatigue and some are finding it harder to reach out for help at this stage in lockdown. It is important to access support when things are difficult so please advise your family clients that the Family Drug Helpline is available and ready 24/7, offering a safe space to talk during a challenging time, and providing information, referral and practical strategies on how to self-care and keep emotionally and physically safe. WRAD operations manager Mark Powell said his experience running the SMART recovery online group for family and friends https://smartrecoveryaustralia.com.au/family-friends/ would echo the experience reported from SHARC. Families in ‘lockdown’ are seeing the effects of the substance use more profoundly as they are home together all the time. This can be quite stressful and harder for families to seek support from friends and others when unable to visit. I would encourage families and friends to seek help for themselves during this time and to look to novel ways of engaging support either via zoom groups such as smart recovery for family and friends or SHARC family drug help support groups.
24.01.2022 WRAD staff have celebrated diversity by donning purple today to show their support for people who identify as LGBTIQ+. WRAD Operations Manager Mark Powell said stigma and isolation are the enemy of good mental and physical health including substance use. We know that people who identify as LGBTIQ+ experience teenage bullying and harassment and exclusion at significantly high rates and this sometimes lead to tragic outcomes, he said. It’s little wonder that substance use ca...n become a form of coping or way to be accepted into a group. Mr Powell said that services such as WRAD need to recognise this and work hard to engage minority groups into mainstream services by providing a respectful and welcoming service to all in our community. The AHIW report highlights the increased use of substances within the LGBTIQ+ community and therefore a need for services to engage and support people identifying as LGBTIQ+ is an essential goal within the framework of harm minimisation and treatment. We at WRAD want to be seen as a service to all members of our community and if we can do something to improve our accessibility and acceptability to the community then we would be remiss not to act. Wear it Purple symbolises our commitment to LGBTIQ+ but we won’t stop there. We are actively working to improve our engagement with other diverse and minority groups within the community and as such set up a cultural and diversity safety working group to identify gaps in our service and put plans in place to improve things. Wear it Purple strives to foster supportive, safe, empowering and inclusive environments for rainbow young people. Wear it Purple Day was on August 28, 2020 See more
24.01.2022 The WRAD centre hopes Mental Health Week from October 10-17 will help to end the stigma for both mental illness and substance use. WRAD supports the recognition of Mental Health Month and more specifically Mental Health Week and recognises that the co-existence of substance use and mental illness are common and therefore not something to be ashamed of or avoid talking about. At WRAD we want to see an end to stigma for both mental illness and substance use and to remove the b...arrier of stigma that so commonly prevents people from seeking help early. WRAD has invested heavily in developing its team of clinicians and doctors to become "dual-diagnosis capable" so you can expect to be welcomed regardless of whether you also have a mental health issue or not. The aim of being a "dual-diagnosis capable" service is in line with government and consumer driven initiatives to promote a "welcoming" and "no-wrong-door" philosophy to people who present with concurrent mental health and substance related conditions. As part of Mental health Week we want to remind the community that if you are using substances as a means of "self-medicating" or trying to help yourself feel better or attempt to cope/block out overwhelming feelings or thoughts or issues please consider giving us a call. It may just be the conversation you need to look at another way to deal with this situation. At WRAD we don't judge or worry about putting labels on people. We are focussed on you as an individual and/or family member and working to develop a plan that helps you get the most out of life. As a service we offer a team of highly skilled and professional clinical counsellors, six medical practitioners and a well-respected day rehabilitation program (Sliding Doors). WRAD also has a dual diagnosis program that specifically looks to offer treatment and support to people with concurrent mental health issues and substance use with additional support from a consultant psychiatrist. Ring 1300 00 9723 to talk further or to make an appointment with a medical practitioner and contact ACSO on 1300 022 760 to do an intake for counselling support. If you need after hours support, contact Directline 1800 808 236 for support with substance use. For mental health issues contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. In an emergency call 000 For local mental health support contact Southwest Healthcare 55 631 666 and talk with your doctor.
21.01.2022 WRAD is well aware of the importance of letting the community know that help is available for anyone with alcohol and other drug problems. Members of the WRAD team have been doing radio interviews for our next round of radio adds. Unfortunately, substance use issues are often misunderstood and both the individuals with the issues and their families or loved ones suffer the effects of that stigma. WRAD wants the community to know that we are here to help and that we are more... than just a drug and alcohol service and have a fully operational medical practice and a diverse and skilled clinical team to provide support, treatment and assistance on the journey of recovery. That journey begins with the recognition that change is needed and the decision to get help can be a hard one. We want to assure our community that WRAD seeks to provide assistance to all without fear or favour and that discrimination has no place in our service. See more
21.01.2022 Family Drug Help spring newsletter now available on WRAD's website. Please follow the link . https://wrad.org.au//uploads/2020/10/78_Spring_2020_06g.pdf
19.01.2022 Here's the link for WRAD's December 3 AGM
18.01.2022 How to register for Smart Recovery meetings https://wrad.org.au/programs-services/useful-links/
17.01.2022 Family drug help is available https://wrad.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/FDH-flyer.pdf
17.01.2022 Join us for the WRAD annual meeting via Zoom on Thursday, December 3. Click on the link to register https://zoom.us//regi/tJIocuiqqz0vH93ZcAJmvAYUhSEZZ_jQpz8B
15.01.2022 The second episode of the SBS series Addicted Australia airs at 8:30 pm tonight, Tuesday, 17 November. The series showcases the real stories of 10 courageous Australians and their journey through a best practice treatment model. Every Australian deserve access to evidence-based treatment approaches, which is why you should look at the Rethink Addiction
15.01.2022 WRAD is acknowledging First Nations people and supporting ‘always was always will be’ celebrations during NAIDOC Week 2020.
15.01.2022 The WRAD annual report is now online. visit our website to see the full report and to register for our Zoom AGM on December 3. https://wrad.org.au//WRAD-Annual-Report-19-20-TO-PRINT-A.p
14.01.2022 A new mural being created at WRAD symbolises how the centre is helping people with their journey towards recovery. The mural on the west side of the Handbury Medical Suites is being drawn by Koroit artist Ricky Schembri and depicts a person and their dog being watched over by an eagle on the path to a lighthouse. Although he usually works in pastels, Ricky said he was enjoying the challenge and developing the concept.... It’s a different medium and I’ll have to work on getting the colour right, but it’s interesting to create a theme around support and recovery and heading towards the light, he said. WRAD operations manager Mark Powell said the mural was a message to the community about how WRAD can be part of a journey towards positive change through the provision of a comprehensive alcohol and drug service and integrated health clinic. The Lighthouse is a beacon to help people find their way to recovery and the person walking with the dog is about the friends walking beside you on a journey to a place of discovery and safety, with an eagle symbolising power and the spirit of freedom and courage that are essential skills to embark on the road to recovery, Mark said. Thanks to COATES Hire for loaning a scissor lift.
12.01.2022 Both within Australia and internationally, the rising use of opioids is a cause of concern. All opioidsincluding codeinecan be addictive and their use can result in dependence, accidental overdose, hospitalisation or death. Legal or pharmaceutical opioids (including codeine and oxycodone) are responsible for far more deaths and poisoning hospitalisations than illegal opioids (such as heroin). Every day in Australia, nearly 150 hospitalisations and 14 emergency department pr...esentations involve opioid harm, and 3 people die from drug-induced deaths involving opioid use. Compare that to the national road toll. This is a preventable death. The federal government has recognised this and made available access to a medication that reverses the effects of overdose. If you take opioids for any reason, or know someone that does, you can access naloxone and receive information about how to use it from a community pharmacy. Naloxone is a lifesaving medication that reverses the effects of opioids and provides opportunities for overdoses to be treated immediately. Naloxone is available as an intranasal device (Nyxoid), and through intramuscular injection via ampoules or pre-filled syringe (Prenoxad). To mark International Overdose Prevention Day on August 31, WRAD in its continuing mission to reduce the harms associated with substance use and prescribed medications is now embarking on a strategy to make available access to this potentially lifesaving medication. WRAD has peer support workers trained in how to administer Naloxone and deliver training in this to consumers regularly. It is an unnecessary death and we will work hard to reduce the risk. Famous movie stars and musicians through the years could have been saved had they access to this medication and someone close by who knows how to administer it. It is an essential first aid intervention in overdose. To this end, WRAD will hold workshops for interested community members and please contact WRAD to organise a training session. See more
12.01.2022 WRAD supports R U OK? Day This year has been challenging for everyone and for those struggling with addiction or the families and loved ones of someone with an addiction it has been made worse. The current circumstances have made it even more important for us all to stay connected and, for those who are able, be willing to support those around us. People with an addiction are already marginalised and disconnected from society due to harsh moral judgements alienating people fr...om the care and support most needed. At WRAD we support a move to put those judgements aside to check in on someone you know who may be struggling with an addiction and ask R U OK? Unfortunately rates of mental illness among those with a substance use disorder are significantly higher than the general population. There are many reasons for this and at WRAD asks that you seek to understand why a person might be engaging in substance misuse before ‘judging’ them. It is quite common for people suffering depression and anxiety to turn to substance use as a means of coping; however, it's no solution and what they need is help. At WRAD we have trained clinicians and doctors who are ready to offer assistance and access to specialist psychiatric support. Don’t suffer in silence and if you are concerned for yourself or a loved one, after you ask R U OK offer them support to get to help. On the other side of this is those that live with someone with an addiction. The burden of stress and worry for someone with an addiction also takes a toll on those around them. Again, if you know a family member, loved one or friend of someone with an addiction ask them R U OK? There is a growing amount of support to those that care for someone with an addiction but again due to stigma and possible guilt families and loved ones can suffer in silence. At WRAD we ask that you put judgment aside and use this day as an opportunity to check in and ask R U OK? Don’t be afraid of the response as we are here to help. You don’t have to be an expert to keep the conversation going when someone says they’re not OK. By knowing what to say you can help someone feel supported and access appropriate help long before they’re in crisis, which can make a really positive difference to their life. See more
12.01.2022 As part of our work in creating a welcoming and accepting service to all people of race, culture and/or diversity, WRAD acknowledges today as the international Transgender Day of Remembrance. In a world where we are becoming more aware of the rates of violence within the community, especially family violence, it is important to recognise what this day means and its tragic origin. Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) was started in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann ...Smith as a vigil to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in 1998. The vigil commemorated all the transgender people lost to violence since Rita Hester's death, and began an important tradition that has become the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance. WRAD remains committed to being a service for the whole community and stands against any forms of racism, sexism or discrimination. Thank you for joining in observing Transgender Day of Remembrance ( This International Day is held to memorialise and raise awareness of those individuals who lost their lives as a result of transphobia) On this day as we remember those who have paid the ultimate price for simply being themselves please also be aware that many transgender people are still facing horrendous bullying and hate in every aspect of their everyday lives. We can all do our bit to help change this situation no one should be living in fear or suffering threats of violence just because they exist! By warmly welcoming and openly celebrating transgender community members and actively taking part in LGBTI+ inclusion practices we are helping build a better experience for everyone and taking steps towards a world we can all be proud of where everyone can live safe, happy and valued.
12.01.2022 A powerful new SBS documentary series on addiction and a national campaign may have an impact on the AOD and gambling support sector. Addicted Australia is a four-part SBS documentary series set to air weekly at 8.30pm from Tuesday November 10. It will provide a unique insight into addiction, stigma and treatment by following 10 clients, their clinicians, peer support group and families and friends as they take part in a six-month treatment program designed by Turning Point. ...The series will be rated Mature Audience (MA15+) and is not suitable for people aged under 15 years. The series will cover alcohol, gambling and drug addiction, treatment (including peer and family support) as well as address the social issues that worsen the stigma and isolation associated with addiction. The large national audience expected for the series will provide an unparalleled opportunity to reshape the public discourse around addiction and its treatment. To seize this opportunity, Turning Point has facilitated the establishment of Rethink Addiction, an independent group of like-minded organisations that are calling for a shift to Australia’s attitude to addiction and treatment. WRAD has become part of Rethink Addiction and supports the campaign which seeks to educate the general public about the real stories of addiction so that the damaging stigma around addiction and treatment can be removed. It is also calling on key decision makers to commit to making addressing addiction a national priority. Facebook
10.01.2022 DUAL DIAGNOSIS CLINICIAN WRAD is pleased to offer an exciting opportunity for a psychologist or allied mental health clinician keen to work in a multi-disciplinary team within the field of addictions. The Dual Diagnosis Clinician will be working within a hopeful and recovery oriented co-occurring capable service. This will involve working collaboratively between local services in a manner that ensures client’s needs are met and assisting their navigation towards implementing ...effective treatment and support plans. WRAD values diversity and believes that a range of backgrounds brings a variety of ideas, perspectives and experiences that will enhance our work overall. WRAD actively seeks to include, welcome and value unique contributions by encouraging Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Australians, people with disabilities, people from LGBTI+ communities, younger people, older people and people from culturally diverse backgrounds to apply for our positions, We also recognise and promote the unique contributions of people with a lived experience of mental illness and a history of alcohol and drug use to our team. Key Tasks Provide high quality engagement, treatment and support to individuals who access dual diagnosis services, including brief interventions and group work Case manage, coordinate and support clients with multiple and complex needs Liaise with primary health, mental health, and other AOD and mental health services to support integrated care and a whole of health response Qualifications/Experience Tertiary qualification in a health related discipline is required A minimum Certificate IV Community Service (Alcohol & other Drugs) or equivalent is necessary. If you do not have Certificate IV Alcohol and Drugs WRAD will provide a contribution towards training costs Understanding of current evidence around best practice responses to the needs of persons with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders Position is suitable for psychologists or mental health nurse. Training Generous training opportunities available Position Description: Call 1300 009 723 or email [email protected] Applications to be made in writing to: Geoff Soma, Director, WRAD Centre 172 Merri Street Warrnambool 3280 or email to [email protected] Applications close: Friday 27th November 2020
09.01.2022 https://www.facebook.com/704344799/posts/10158639701294800/ WRAD acknowledges the significant impact that having a loved one struggling with problematic substance use can have. It's a tragic loss of life when for some it’s the stigma around substance use that pushes them underground and away from the help available, WRAD continues to work with the community to create a sense of welcome and safety for people to work on their substance use issuers. Our philosophy is underpin...ned by harm minimisation and we have additional programs to help people reduce the harmful effects of substance use and hopefully move towards a state of change whilst remaining safe. WRAD continues to offer supports to families as well as individuals. If you have a family member struggling with substance use or you are finding it hard to cope with, please call WRAD 1300 009723 for more information and assistance. WRAD is closely supported by SHARC and family drug help and their number is 1300 660 068. WRAD also delivers the SMART recovery "family and friends" group online via zoom and the link is https://zoom.us//regi/tJIoc-iupzosGdQsH29iRj0GfmYsD6HB4RGR
08.01.2022 WRAD’s Sliding Doors coordinator Angela Alexander never enjoyed running as a child or teenager but as she approached her 50th birthday she started to fantasise about running a marathon. In 2019 she turned that fantasy into a reality, but now she’s taken her running commitment to the next level. Ms Alexander has just completed a 1744km virtual marathon, taking her from Lands End at the bottom of the United Kingdom to northernmost point John O’Groats. She started the run on Jun...e 20 and finished on September 8, averaging about 20km a day. Now she has set her sights on an even bigger target The Route 66 Virtual Fitness Challenge which will take her 3669km along the iconic road from Chicago to Los Angeles. Running a marathon appealed as a romantic fantasy but seemed too far to realistically contemplate, she said. However, sometime in 2017, it started to solidify into a goal to complete a marathon at age 50. Ms Alexander said she was inspired to show she could run a marathon on a vegan diet and her plan often reflected the key tools of WRAD’s Sliding Doors non-residential rehabilitation program. I had to battle negative self-talk which threatened to sabotage my progress; that it was too hard and I was too old, she said. I used the same strategies we teach in Sliding Doors self-reflection, persistent planning around goal setting, commitment to small steps, being aware of feelings and what is behind them, and focusing on positive thoughts and facts and keeping the overall goal in view. Ms Alexander completed a half marathon in August 2019 and earlier this year completed her first full 42.2km marathon in four hours and 39 minutes, I was nervous on the day of the race; I had sustained a tendon injury doing sprints on the treadmill the week before but with acupuncture it seemed to have settled. She achieved her goal of finishing in under five hours and said the medal was a tangible symbol of achieving a goal which had seemed impossible. Her latest virtual challenge wasn’t without problems. Having shingles provided an unwelcome and tough extra challenge during the 12 weeks- and fatigue was a real thing about 7 or 8 weeks but I kept going. Ms Alexander used a mix of treadmills and open-air running, carrying a mask to wear if she came close to people. She also focused on her diet, which is vegan and predominantly raw. I completed one of the Happy Pear vegan cooking courses and gained a lot of knowledge and inspiration from vegan recipe blogs online and top-level vegan athletes like elite ultra-marathoner Rich Roll who also offers plant-based recipe programs. Ms Alexander says she feels fantastic and is keen for her next tests, a marathon in October and the Route 66 challenge. I’m grateful to be enjoying this level of strength and fitness in my fifties, she said. I became vegan for ethical reasons and in return have been gifted with excellent health and a new lease of life. See more
04.01.2022 It’s international drug users awareness day. It’s a good time to reflect on how we view people who use drugs. Language and attitudes matter. We know that stigma hurts people, and we can all take positive action to reduce the stigma attached to people who use drugs. We can avoid repeating negative stereotypes, use person-first language, take opportunities to educate others, and build a culture where people feel safe asking for support when they need it without fear of being judged. The language we use really matters, and thinking about our language is a great place to start changing how we think and talk about Aussies who use drugs. You can find the full article here: https://adf.org.au/insights/aussies-who-use-drugs/
03.01.2022 As part of Transgender International Day of Remembrance on November 20, the Sliding Doors Therapeutic Day Rehabilitation Program at WRAD welcomed esteemed Australian athlete Ricki Coughlan as special guest speaker. Now 62, Ricki was one of Australia’s first ‘out’ transgender sportswomen and agreed to share some of her story from the perspective of overcoming adversity as well as touching on her own past experiences with drug addiction and living in recovery. Ricki is now a r...egistered running coach and a yoga teacher. She also teaches Indian cooking. Ricki runs long distance most days, is vegan and an accomplished artist, an experienced environmentalist and qualified field ornithologist. Ricki shared powerful messages of hope and self-determination; revealing a gift for overcoming adversity in the face of great challenges with respectful, humility and kindness to all those around her. For Ricki’s full story, visit https://wrad.org.au/transgender-athlete-shares-story/ See more
01.01.2022 WRAD’s Sliding Doors program today joined South West TAFE to take part in Walk Against Family Violence around Lake Pertobe. The walk was part of a national annual event as part of 16 days of activism, with walkers wearing something orange to show their support for victim-survivors and help send a message across Victoria that family and domestic violence is never okay. For more information visit https://walk.safesteps.org.au... Caption: Sliding Doors coordinator Angela Alexander joins the walk.
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