Blog

Explore stories, articles and strategies to support making change and living healthier. Our blogs are about life in general and in relation to alcohol and other substances.

A small brown beagle x cavalier king charles dog snoozes on a pair of feet wearing festive socks | Photo by Ryan Stone on Unsplash

Peer worker PnorkelPW shares the tips that help people manage alcohol and drug use and stay safe through the holiday season.  

Woman looking out window | Photo by 胡 卓亨 on Unsplash

Monana grew up in a culture that judged substance users, but working in AOD has changed her perspective.

Communication tips

October 13-19 is National Carer’s Week. We recognise the people around Australia caring for loved ones who are dealing with problems related to alcohol or other drugs.

Safe Grand Final Season

It’s grand final time! Here are some tips to celebrate safely and look out for yourself and your friends.

International Overdose Awareness Day

We lose too many people to overdose. COL counsellor Atg_1 shares how we can work together to save lives this #IOAD24.

NAIDOC

NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures & histories & participate in celebrations.

Dry July

Dry July raises money for a great cause, but alcohol withdrawal can be risky for heavy drinkers. Let’s discuss the benefits and risks of ‘cold turkey’.

young smiling LGBTQIA+ people campaign against discrimination

Check out the queer-led services ending discrimination with inclusive care for LGBTQIA+ people who want to change their substance use #IDAHOBIT2024

COL patient experience

Patient Experience Week, an annual international event to celebrate the healthcare staff who dedicate themselves to improving the experience, outcomes and wellbeing of people in their care.

AOD counselling

Lots of different types of people become alcohol and other drug counsellors. Counselling Online team member Jeremy has spent most of his career helping people find practical solutions to navigate challenges in their lives. Here he explains that he changed courses in his own career to help people find their own new paths.

drinking or drugs

Substance use can be a sensitive topic. If you’ve noticed something different about your loved one and think substance use could be involved, it can be hard to know what to do or how to offer support.

Woman looks out over the ocean at a beautiful horizon

We discuss how to set useful resolutions in substance use recovery.

parents decorate a christmas tree with their small child

We share tips to help families who are dealing with addiction get through the festive season.

public drunkenness

As public intoxication laws change, we examine the signs of alcohol overdose and how we can give first aid to protect each other.

q & a

Peer Worker PnorkelPW shares what to expect from residential detox programs.

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) 2023 is dedicated to ‘Recognising those people who go unseen’:

Talk-to-Kids-about-Vaping

This World No Tobacco Day, have honest, open conversations with your kids about vaping.

Family Violence

Heavy alcohol use is closely associated with family violence, which can also lead a victim-survivor to drink. We offer resources to understand the issue and seek help.