External Contacts

Medical Review Officers

If your organisation is required to implement a DAMP it is necessary you have a relationship with a medical review officer (MRO). An MRO is a medical practitioner who has competence in the field of interpreting drug and alcohol test results, knowledge of substance use disorders, and knowledge of the legislation. To facilitate a search for an MRO, CASA has developed a list of MROs who have completed the CASA Education Course. However if you wish to contact and persons who have been certified by the United States Medical Review Officer Certification Council you can find a list here.

Other service providers

In addition to the services provided by employee assistance programs and GPs, or in the event that your employer does not have an employee assistance program, the following organisations are recommended for the accuracy and currency of information and/or support services provided.

Australian Drug Foundation

The Australian Drug Foundation is a major non-government organisation established in 1959. Its prevention agenda is delivered on a platform of harm minimisation, encompassing a continuum of comprehensive prevention strategies, from abstinence to the management of severe and chronic drug misuse.

Phone: 03 9278 8100
Website: www.adf.org.au

Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre

The Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre was established in 1994 and is regarded as a leading provider of services in the AOD sector. Turning Point also has a strong research agenda. It is formally affiliated with St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne and the University of Melbourne. Turning Point offers an online 24/7 AOD counselling service, a specialist clinic, and confidential telephone counselling and support.

Phone: 03 8413 8413
Website: www.turningpoint.org.au

National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre

The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, at the University of New South Wales, opened in 1987. It is funded by the Australian Government as part of the National Drug Strategy. The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre's mission is to conduct high-quality research and related activities that increase the effectiveness of Australian and international treatment and other intervention responses to AOD-related harm.

Phone: 02 9385 0333
Website: www.ndarc.med.unsw.edu.au

Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Foundation
Website: http://www.aerf.com.au
Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia
Website: http://www.adca.org.au
Australian Drug Information Network
Website: http://www.adin.com.au/
ABC Health Matters: Drugs and Alcohol
Website: http://www.abc.net.au/health/healthyliving/drugsalcohol/default.htm
Beyondblue
Website: http://www.beyondblue.org.au/
DrugInfo Clearinghouse
Website: http://druginfo.adf.org.au/
National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre
Website: http://ncpic.org.au/
Alcohol and Drug Information Service

In addition to the agencies mentioned above, each state and territory has an AOD information telephone service. Many operate 24 hours and offer a free-call number for people living in regional areas. Check the community pages of your local telephone directory, under Alcohol and Drug Information Service, for the number.

Australian Capital Territory

24 Hour Alcohol and Drug Telephone Line
02 6207 9977

New South Wales

Alcohol and Drug Information Service
02 9361 8000 or 1800 422 599 (rural)

Northern Territory

Alcohol and Drug Information Service
1800 131 350

Queensland

Alcohol and Drug Information Service
07 3236 2414 or 1800 177 833 (rural)

South Australia

Alcohol and Drug Information Service
1300 13 13 40

Tasmania

Alcohol and Drug Information Service
1800 811 994 (24 hour)

Victoria

DirectLine
1800 888 236

DrugInfo
1300 85 85 84

Family Drug Helpline
1300 660 068

Youth Substance Abuse Service (YSAS Line)
03 9418 1020 or 1800 014 446 (rural)

Western Australia

Alcohol and Drug Information Service

08 9442 5000 or 1800 198 024 (rural)

Parent Drug Information Service

08 9442 5050 or 1800 653 203 (rural)

Questions to ask your service provider

You might like to consider asking a service provider some of the following questions in order to help you determine whether their service is the right one for you. There are no right or wrong answers, but the responses may help you make your decision about commencing a treatment episode.

  • Is this agency accredited with an authoritative accrediting body? Is this accreditation current?
  • What professional qualification does my counsellor hold? Is my counsellor registered with a recognised registration board? Are they a member of a professional body within the Australian AOD sector? How much experience does my counsellor have in providing AOD treatment?
  • Does the agency/counsellor follow particular clinical or other evidence-based guidelines?
  • What is the philosophy of the agency with regard to AOD treatment (for example, does the agency work within an abstinence-only framework or does it recognise controlled use approaches)? Is this consistent with my own philosophy and goals?
  • Are staff trained to use formal assessment and outcome measurement instruments? Are systematic protocols in place to ensure assessments are standardised, formal, written and relevant?
  • What systems exist to remedy client complaints about inappropriate, poor or unacceptable service?
  • How does the organisation/counsellor keep up to date with current trends and evidence in the AOD field? How is this used to improve outcomes for clients?
  • How and where will my records be stored? Who will have access to my client file? What safeguards exist to maintain privacy, confidentiality and security of my personal information?
  • How will concurrent conditions (such as mental health problems) be addressed by the agency/counsellor? Does the agency/counsellor provide multi-disciplinary services or work collaboratively with other organisations?
  • Will practical and achievable goals be negotiated with me? Will progress be measured against a treatment plan?
  • Are there protocols for concluding treatment plans and to assist exit from treatment?