PARENTING SERVICES DIRECTORY: Which service should I contact when...

I think my child is drinking and taking drugs

Many parents of teenagers worry from time to time about whether their children are taking any illegal drugs. 

Many young people want to experiment with new things and test limits, so it is not surprising that some of them try alcohol and illegal drugs. There are many families where someone has a drug and or alcohol problem. 

If drugs or alcohol are affecting you, or someone in your family contact:

Alcohol & Drug Program - ACT Health
Ph: 6207 9977 (24hr info line)

• provides a 24-hour information service on alcohol and other drugs. Support, referral and initial phone assessment is also offered to clients and families wanting to access ADP services 24 hours per day.

Family Drug Support
Ph: 1300 368 186

• 24-hour help, information and support for families affected by drugs

Drugs in the Family 
Ph: 6257 3043

• offers information, advice and support for parents, family members and close friends of people using drugs.

Parentline
Ph: 6287 3833 9am-9pm Mon-Fri

• a free, confidential telephone service for parents and families in the ACT and surrounding area. Calls are answered by professionally trained workers who are to help with information and support.

Australian Federal Police  
Ph: 6256 1718

• provide crime prevention and education programs in schools relating to alcohol and drugs.

Alcoholics Anonymous  
Ph: 6287 3020 (24 hr line)

• for men and women who have a problem with alcohol.

Al-Anon
Ph: 6251 7726 (10.30-12.30pm weekdays)

• mutual support groups for families of alcoholics.

ALATEEN
Ph: 6249 8866

• self-help group for children and adolescents whose lives are, or have been, affected by problem drinkers.
  

Directions ACT
Ph: 6248 7677 (BH) 6253 3055 (AH)

• parent body of five community-based drug and alcohol programs including Arcadia House Withdrawal Centre, Directions ACT, Late Night DRIC, and Parents' and Children's Clinic.

Karralika  
Ph: 6292 2733

• offers a residential rehabilitation program for men and women, where parents can get help and stay with their children.

Narcotics Anonymous  
Ph: 9519 6200

• for men and women who have problems with drugs.

Ted Noffs Canberra
Ph: 6123 2400

• offers 12-week residential program for young people aged 14 to 18 years who are suffering from problems arising from drug and/or alcohol dependence.