Alcohol and Other Drugs

Alcohol and Other Drugs


Helps to support, encourage and reinforce actions taken by individuals to reduce alcohol and other substance related harm. 

"Daily smokers are twice as likely to have high or very high levels of psychological distress as non-smokers."

There is a complex relationship between mental health and alcohol and other drug use. A mental illness may make a person more likely to use drugs to provide short term relief from their symptoms, while other people have drug problems that may trigger the first symptoms of mental illness (AIHW 2017).  Read more...
  • What is Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Counselling?

    EASA's Alcohol & Other Drugs (AOD) program provides a specialist counselling service for people affected by alcohol and other drugs. EASA delivers a program funded by the NT Department of Health to assist people living in the Darwin area.


    The program provides Darwin-based education and counselling for community members affected by issues with alcohol, drugs or gambling. 


    EASA Psychologists and Counsellors delivering the AOD program are professionally registered and accredited, trained and experienced in the field of AOD. Both male and female clinicians are available. 


    The program helps to support, encourage and reinforce actions taken by individuals to reduce alcohol and other substance related harm. The program is flexible and is tailored to meet the needs of the individual, children, couples, families, groups, communities or organisations.


  • What does Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Counselling involve?

    Counselling can help deal with AOD issues in various ways. Typical assistance with AOD issues include:

    • Examining effects on how alcohol and other drugs affect the body, lifestyle and relationships
    • Assessing the costs and benefits of using alcohol and other drugs
    • Establishing reasons and methods for change
    • Identifying goals of behaviour change
    • Planning and implementing change
    • Strategies to deal with obstacles to change
    • Helping a person to learn how to be responsible and manage their behaviours
    • Developing new perspectives for a healthier lifestyle

  • What are the benefits of Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Counselling?
    • Confidential
    • Informed and relaxed
    • Outcome focused
    • Non-judgemental
    • Alleviated financial burden
    • Professional and skilled
  • What does the typical Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Counselling process look like?
    1. Individual contacts EASA
    2. EASA confirms individual’s details and schedules appointment accordingly
    3. Individual completes client registration form upon attending initial appointment
    4. Individual has 1 hour with clinician
    5. Individual and clinician determine ongoing support
    6. Subsequent appointments scheduled if required
  • What types of therapies are available?

    EASA has over 20 clinicians with a range of qualifications, specialties and areas of interest. These include but are not limited to general psychologists, social workers and general counsellors. Our team offer a range of accredited therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Clinical Hypnotherapy, Play Therapy, Sex Therapy and Neurofeedback Therapy.

  • Is this service confidential?

    The Alcohol and Other Drugs program is confidential. There are only a handful of circumstances in which any information can be released and these include:

    • If there is a perceived significant risk to life or harm to others;
    • Under court subpoena and in compliance with Federal or NT legislation;
    • Where the client has given written or verbal permission to disclose to another professional agency or third party in accordance with the disclosure notification.

    At the beginning of your initial appointment your clinician will also discuss our confidentiality with you. Any concerns you may have can be raised directly with them at this time. 

     



  • Where does the service take place?

    AOD Counselling is provided face to face out of our Head Office in Parap, Darwin. 

  • Can I access this service? (eligibility)

    AOD counselling is available to any Darwin-based community member who is affected by issues with alcohol, drugs or gambling.  These issues can be their own, or that of a family member or friend.

  • What if I don't like my Clinician?

    Finding a counsellor with the right approach and experience is important. EASA has a number of dedicated clinicians with a range of qualifications, specialities and areas of interests, and you are welcome to switch clinicians if you find that the match isn’t quite right. To do so, you can either discuss a referral with your clinicians or simply speak with our friendly reception staff. Our admin team have a comprehensive understanding of our clinicians’ backgrounds and are able to recommend the most suited clinician for you.

  • What is the cost for this service?

    AOD counselling and therapeutic treatments are FREE, culturally sensitive, completely confidential and easily accessible. Session limits do not apply in these programs.

  • How can I book this service?

    Call the head office directly using the Book Now button.  Alternatively, visit our contact page to email us.

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