Help for alcohol and drug problems

There is help available if you or someone you love has drug or alcohol problems. 

Healthcare services you may receive

You may be eligible for healthcare services to help you with your drug or alcohol problem. The services include:

• general medical
• psychiatry and psychology
• relationship support
• hospital care for detox support
• occupational therapy
• Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling

DVA may fund community-based AOD services under its prior financial authorisation process. In order to access services through this process, individuals must be eligible for treatment, and referred by a medical practitioner. For more information, see When we must approve care

Who can receive them

If a medical professional has assessed that you have a clinical need for this service, you may be eligible.

You may also be eligible if you have 1 of the following:

• a Veteran Gold Card
• a Veteran White Card and the treatment is for an injury or condition covered by your card

Who can help

There are people who can help you if you have problems with drugs or alcohol. They include:

• general practitioners (GPs) who can prescribe medicines
• mental health specialists, including psychiatrists and psychologists
• social workers
• occupational therapists
• drug and alcohol counsellors
• Open Arms

Open Arms has a wide range of counselling services available to you and your immediate family, no matter the colour of the card you hold.

How you access services

To access a GP's services, you should contact their office and make an appointment.

You will need your GP to refer you if you need special help from:

• mental health specialists
• social workers
• occupational therapists