Building Safer Communities (Tackling Substance Abuse) - Northern Territory Department of Justice

Substance misuse affects not only the person involved but can devastate whole families and communities. The links between illegal drugs and criminal activity is well documented.

The Government has made and will continue to make legislative changes to provide a strong legal framework for dealing with substance misuse.

In addition, Territory communities continue to tackle substance abuse and the harm it causes.

Such efforts combine in Building Safer Communities.

If you’d like to help tackle substance abuse see the following websites for more specific information.

Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services

Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program

The Territory led Australia with its School Based Constables scheme, piloted in 1984 at Casuarina High School . The 20 School Based Constables teach the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program, covering all Territory High Schools and 81 per cent of primary school students. The Aboriginal Substance Abuse Program ASAP is currently being developed to bring relevant drug education to the remote communities. This program will be delivered by trained Aboriginal Community Police Officers.

Department of Health and Community Services

Alcohol & Drug Information Service (ADIS)

ADIS provides 24-hour 7-day telephone counselling, information and referral for people with an alcohol or drug problem. Free call 1800 131 350. People of all ages and backgrounds - anyone in the community who is affected by alcohol or drug use, eg: people using drugs, concerned family members and friends as well as health care professionals can use this service.

Drug & Alcohol Clinical Advisory Service (DACAS)

A 24-hour 7-day telephone service that provides advice to health professionals on the clinical management of drug and alcohol issues. The service is available to health professionals in the NT who have concerns about patients with alcohol and other drug problems. Free call 1800 111 092.

Smokefree NT

SmokeFree NT refers to the new laws that prohibit smoking in public places. Many places became smoke free on 1 January 2003 , others became smoke free or partially non-smoking, on 31 May 2003 , World No Tobacco Day.

Department of the Chief Minister

Office of Youth Affairs

Drugs and Alcohol - a list of online resources aimed specifically at young people.

Department of Community Development, Sport and Cultural Affairs

Community Harmony Strategy

The Community Harmony Strategy aims to significantly reduce the incidence of anti-social behaviour, and the delivery of infrastructure, intervention programs and health services responding to identified needs of itinerants.

Australian Government

Australia's National Drug Strategy

The National Drug Strategy, a cooperative venture between Australian, State and Territory Governments and the non-government sector, is aimed at improving health, social and economic outcomes for Australians by preventing the uptake of harmful drug use and reducing the harmful effects of licit and illicit drugs in our society.

Community Partnerships Kit

Supporting Local Community Action on Illicit Drug Issues

NSW

UNSW National Drug & Alcohol Research Centre (NSW)

Non-Government Information/Programs

Community Patrols

Online Resources

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Last Updated: 4/04/05