We’re here to help to reduce the harms associated with the use of alcohol and other drugs by providing a range of resources and support services.
We work with our clients in a supportive and non-judgemental way, whether their interest is to be more informed about drug use, be able to use in a safer manner or to get support to reduce or stop use.
We also work with service providers to help them better support the needs of LGBTI people and people with HIV.
Information
Alcohol & Drug Basics
There are lots of myths about alcohol and drugs and how people use these substances.
The most effective way to address problematic use of alcohol and drugs is to access factual information about both legal and illegal substances and get support from friends, family and professionals.
For more information click here.
Safe Injecting
Some people in our community choose to inject drugs.
The harms associated with this practice can be reduced by taking certain precautions.
For more information click here.
Stimulant Health Check-Up
This online resource (developed by ACON) seeks to help people improve their awareness of crystal meth and how it can affect their physical and mental health.
The resource has relevant information about privacy and disclosure when talking about your drug use with health professionals.
Regardless of how much or how often you use crystal, a regular stimulant health check-up can help reduce the potential physical and mental harms associated with crystal meth.
For more information visit: stimcheck.org.au.
Substance Use & Mental Health
The interaction between psychological wellbeing and the use of alcohol and other drugs is complex – they both have an impact on each other.
Alcohol and drug use can impact wellbeing by:
- Making existing mental illness worse
- Reducing the effectiveness of medications
- Contributing to mental distress
Our Mind + Matter online resource seeks to help LGBTI people – as well as their partners, family, and friends – improve their knowledge about the interaction between psychological wellbeing and the use of alcohol and other drugs.
Services
Needle & Syringe Program
Through our Needle & Syringe Program (NSP), we provide FREE sterile injecting equipment and health promotion services to people who inject drugs. This helps reduce the transmission of blood borne viruses such HIV and Hep C and other related injecting related risks.
Our NSPs provide the following:
- FREE sterile injecting equipment
- Disposal of used equipment
- Access to advise, support and relevant health information (e.g. HIV, Hep C, Safer practices)
- Referral to internal and external services
- Access to condoms
Our NSPs are located at our offices in Sydney, Newcastle and Lismore.
Substance Support Service
Counselling
We provide confidential FREE short term counselling (up to 12 sessions) for LGBTI people and people with HIV seeking support in relation to their use of alcohol and other drugs.
Counsellors work from a harm reduction approach to assist clients in their goals to manage use, reduce or quit.
To access this service, you will need to undergo a brief assessment in person or over the phone.
For more information or to undertake a brief assessment, please contact our Sydney office on (02) 9206 2000 or to enquire about making an appointment click here.
St Vincents S-Check
St Vincent’s S-Check at ACON
The highly successful S-Check service for people who use stimulants, run by St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, is partnering with ACON to provide the service from our Surry Hills premises (414 Elizabeth St) every Thursday from 3pm-6pm.
This service is for people who use stimulants such as cocaine, methamphetamine or ecstacy and want to have a chat with a healthcare professional about how this might affect your health or wellbeing. S-Check isn’t a rehab service, it’s more like a visit to a GP who knows about stimulants and can give you tailored advice. It’s easy, confidential and judgement free.
To enquire about making an appointment click here.
For more information visit: www.scheck.com.au or contact the team at St Vincent’s on (02) 9361 8078 if Thursdays aren’t convenient for you.
ACON Rovers
The ACON Rovers are teams of specially trained volunteers who provide health promotion services at LGBTI events.
Each ACON Rover is trained, supervised and equipped to:
- Help patrons who require medical assistance to easily access onsite services
- Provide harm reduction services to patrons (e.g. provide water, encourage people to take breaks and cool down, provide accurate alcohol and drug information)
- Provide party information to patrons (e.g. directions, lost property, show times, DJ info)
- Help patrons easily access party basics (e.g. band aids, ear plugs sunscreen)
- ACON Rovers are not security and are only concerned with people’s health.
Book the ACON Rovers
Having the ACON Rovers on site is a great way for event organisers to demonstrate their concern for the health and wellbeing of their patrons.
ACON Rovers can attend parties and we tailor the service to the specific needs of each event. We’re also able to provide advice on issues relating to alcohol, drugs, harm reduction and health promotion.
For more information or to make a booking, please contact your nearest ACON office.
Join The ACON Rovers
We’re always interested in hearing from people who would like to volunteer for our ACON Rover program.
The role is suited for non-judgmental, motivated and calm people who are happy to work within a sensitive working environment.
To get involved, please contact your nearest ACON office.
