Find ongoing help & support
Beyond a one-off phone call, there's a lot of support out there. Here are peer groups, residential programs, and how to find a professional in Australia.
Everything here is chosen on merit. No one pays to be listed — here's our firewall.
Support groups
Free, peer-led, and confidential. You don't have to say a word at your first one — plenty of blokes just listen.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
NationalFree peer support for anyone who wants to stop drinking. Meetings everywhere, in person and online.
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
NationalFree peer support for anyone wanting to stop using drugs. Meetings across Australia.
Gamblers Anonymous (GA)
NationalFree peer support for people who want to stop gambling. Find your nearest meeting online.
Al-Anon Family Groups
NationalSupport for the family and friends of someone with a drinking problem — you matter too.
Families Anonymous (FA)
NationalFor families and friends affected by someone else's drug or behaviour problems.
SMART Recovery Australia
NationalFree, science-based group program for any addictive behaviour. In-person and online meetings.
Residential rehab & detox
A starting list of Australian residential programs — public, not-for-profit and private. Costs and waitlists vary, so it's worth a call. Your GP, or the ADF Path2Help tool, can help you find the right fit.
The Buttery
Northern Rivers, NSWLong-running not-for-profit residential rehab and community programs for alcohol, drugs and mental health.
South Pacific Private
Curl Curl, Sydney, NSWPrivate hospital treating addiction, trauma, anxiety and depression (private health cover applies).
The Glen
Central Coast, NSWResidential rehab for men, with strong support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men.
Odyssey House
NSW & VICResidential rehabilitation and withdrawal services for alcohol and other drugs.
We Help Ourselves (WHOS)
NSW & QLDNot-for-profit residential and online treatment for alcohol and other drug dependence.
The Banyans Health & Wellness
Brisbane, QLDPrivate residential treatment for addiction, burnout and mental health.
Cyrenian House
Perth & regional, WANot-for-profit therapeutic communities and withdrawal services for alcohol and other drugs.
Karralika Programs
Canberra, ACTResidential and community alcohol and other drug programs, including options for families.
Salvation Army Recovery Services
NationalFree and low-cost residential recovery programs across the country.
Finding a counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist
The usual path in Australia: see your GP first. They can set up a Mental Health Treatment Plan, which unlocks Medicare-rebated psychologist sessions (currently up to 10 a year). For a psychiatrist(diagnosis and medication), you'll need a GP referral too.
Use these trusted directories to find someone — they're always up to date:
ADF Path2Help
NationalAlcohol & Drug Foundation tool that points you to alcohol and other drug support near you.
APS Find a Psychologist
NationalAustralian Psychological Society's official directory of registered psychologists.
healthdirect Service Finder
NationalGovernment directory of health services near you, including GPs and mental health.
RANZCP Find a Psychiatrist
NationalThe college of psychiatrists' directory — for diagnosis and medication you'll need a GP referral first.