Last updated 5^th May 2022

The COVID 19 pandemic has brought unique and significant challenges to our community, we have responded by taking the best steps we know to meet those challenges and manage the unknown. With cautious optimism the situation is changing and we are now looking ahead to what life with an endemic coronavirus virus may look like.

As restrictions are slowly relaxing and we are opening up locally as well as internationally social interactions and lack of restrictions can cause anxiety. If you find yourself struggling we encourage you to reach out we are here to support you.

At Counselling Online we are continuing to adapt our resources to help you as we all build hope and negotiate the cycles and stages of recovery. Remember, if you find yourself in a lapse and need support our counsellors are available on webchat 24/7, or you can call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline 1800 250 015 to speak to someone in your state.

Social connection, reduced restrictions and being together

Whilst we have strengthened our resilience and are keen to move on from the last couple of years, it is important to remain alert and aware of the most up-to-date advice. We suggest as you are venturing out and reconnecting with your social circles you minimise the sources of information to help you keep a clear view of the situation, the Commonwealth and State Government websites are the best sources for valid, up to date information.

• Australian Government
• Australian Capital Territory
• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• Queensland
• Tasmania
• Victoria
• Western Australia 

Harm minimisation

As always we know practising harm minimisation e.g. using sterile equipment, managing dose etc. reduces the associated risks for people who use drugs and drink alcohol. With the increased risks presented by COVID-19 (it greatly affects respiratory function) it is additionally important that you continue to look after yourself.

Early during the pandemic, we asked an expert to share some tips for harm minimisation, if you haven’t already take a look at some clear, simple advice for aimed at people who use substances.

Read more

You can find useful tips and advice from local harm minimisation services below:

• CAHMA (ACT)
• NUAA (NSW)
• NTAHC (NT)
• QuIHN (QLD)
• Harm Reduction Victoria
• Harm Reduction WA
• Harm Reduction Australia

Overdose

With restrictions easing and accessibility increasing the risks associated with harm and overdose go up. Take care of yourself and those close to you, if you are in a situation where someone is overdosing, try to remain calm, call 000 – emergency services are there to help.

General

• Overdose @ Alcohol and Drug Foundation

Heroin and other opioids

Heroin and other opioids are responsible for more than half of the fatal overdoses in Australia each year, learn about the symptoms to watch out for.

• Heroin facts @ Alcohol and Drug Foundation

Naloxone is an opioid-inhibitor that is frequently used to reverse overdoses, and is becoming more widely available throughout Australia. It’s a good idea to arrange to get some naloxone now, just to have on hand.

• List of naloxone providers
• List of naloxone trainers

Withdrawal or detox

For people who regularly use (or are trying not to use) alcohol and other drugs, the prolonged isolation presented unique challenges.

People who use substances may find that they experience symptoms of withdrawal if they stop suddenly. Withdrawal can be dangerous, if you are concerned about you or someone else, contact your GP or chat to one of our counsellors.

Here are some resources to help you learn more:

• Alcohol Use and COVID-19 resource [695KB, DOCX]
• Alcohol Use and COVID-19 resource [15KB, PDF]

 

• Getting Through Alcohol Withdrawal [129KB, PDF]
• Getting Through Alcohol Withdrawal [21KB, DOCX]

 

• Getting Through Benzodiazepine Withdrawal [121KB, PDF]
• Getting Through Benzodiazepine Withdrawal [21KB, DOCX]

 

• Getting Through Cannabis Withdrawal [120KB, PDF]
• Getting Through Cannabis Withdrawal [20KB, DOCX]

 

• Getting Through Methamphetamine Withdrawal [108KB, PDF]
• Getting Through Methamphetamine Withdrawal [23KB, DOCX]

 

• Getting Through Nicotine (Tobacco) Withdrawal [116KB, PDF]
• Getting Through Nicotine (Tobacco) Withdrawal [23KB, DOCX]

 

• Getting Through Opioid Withdrawal [122KB, PDF]
• Getting Through Opioid Withdrawal [21.97KB, DOCX]

 

• Harm Reduction for Clients [1.7MB, PDF]
• Harm Reduction for Clients [19KB, DOCX]

 

• Managing Stress & Anxiety [1.4MB PDF]
• Managing Stress & Anxiety [20KB DOCX]

Here are some external sites that also have helpful information:

• General - Addiction withdrawal symptoms 
• Home-based withdrawal

Helplines

• 13YARN is the first national crisis support line for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping.
• 1800Respect offers support related to sexual assault, family or intimate partner violence.
• SANE Australia offers counselling and support for people experiencing or caring for mental illness.
• Suicide Callback Service also offers 24-hour telephone and online counselling for people concerned about suicide.
• Lifeline 13 11 14 offers 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention counselling.
• Gambling Help Online offers 24-hour telephone and online counselling for people who are affected by gambling.
• National Debt Helpline is a telephone line available Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:30pm to discuss any problems related to debt.
• Headspace offer an online and telephone counselling service for young people 12–25 who are concerned about mental health issues.
• Kids Helpline is a free helpline for young people 5–25 to confidentially discuss any problem.
• QLife offers a free counselling and referral service for LGBTQIA+ people experiencing any issue that may affect their health and wellbeing. Available 3:00pm to 12:00am.