Need to talk? Call 1800 882 436.
It's a free call with a maternal child health nurse. *call charges may apply from your mobile

Is it an emergency? Dial 000
If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately.

beginning of content

Alcohol and Drug Foundation

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) is Australia’s leading organisation committed to delivering evidence-based approaches to minimise alcohol and drug harm and inspiring positive change.

Vision:

Lives unlimited by alcohol and drug harm.

Mission:

Inspire positive change and deliver evidence-based approaches to minimise alcohol and drug harm.

How ADF can help

The ADF provides Australia’s most comprehensive and up-to-date information on alcohol and other drugs (AOD), including Drug Facts pages which explore different drugs, including what they are and how to reduce and prevent harm. The site includes free assessment and self-help tools as well as information for people who use AOD, health professionals and family and friends. A popular free online tool (Path2Help) connects you with support services tailored to your needs and location. Visit: adf.org.au

Information lines / help lines

  • Email: druginfo@adf.org.au
  • SMS a drug name to: 0439 835 563 (Text the Effects) for immediate information on a drug’s effects 24/7

Programs and apps and tools

  • Path2Help: An online tool for people who use alcohol and other drugs (AOD) as well as the family and friends of people who use AOD. It has people answer a few questions to determine the level of risk, and then sifts through over 12,000 support services to find the best matches in only a few minutes. path2help - Alcohol and Drug Foundation (adf.org.au)

  • LDAT Program: The Local Drug Action Team (LDAT) Program supports communities to work together to prevent and minimise the harm caused by alcohol and other drugs. There are now 280 Local Drug Action Teams across Australia. The Alcohol and Drug Foundation supports LDATs with research, resources and expertise to help the teams respond to local issues. Community Hub for the Alcohol and Drug Foundation | ADF Community Hub

  • Good Sports: Australia’s largest community health sports program — has been helping build strong community sporting clubs across Australia for over 20 years. They work with clubs across the country, teaching leaders and administrators how to structure their club activities to encourage healthier behaviour, and become safer, more welcoming and family-friendly places to enjoy sport. Good Sports is a free program for all community sporting clubs. Become a Good Sports club - Good Sports

  • ADF Library: Join the ADF Library for free. The ADF Library gives you access to over one million resources from 11,000+ journals and databases. It’s Australia's only specialist alcohol and other drugs digital library, with an always-growing list of new books, ebooks and journals and it’s a great resource for professionals working in the AOD sector, health care and for students. The ADF Library is free to use. ADF Library - Alcohol and Drug Foundation

Recommended links

This information was originally published on healthdirect - Australian Drug Foundation.

Last reviewed: October 2024

Information from this partner

Found 108 results

Drug Facts - Alcohol and Drug Foundation

Explore Drug Facts and the Drug Wheel for comprehensive facts on Stimulants, Depressants, Cannabinoids, and more. Understand the effects of specific drugs.

Read more on Alcohol and Drug Foundation website

Alcohol - Alcohol and Drug Foundation

Understand how alcohol affects your brain and body as a depressant drug. Learn about its immediate effects, long-term risks, and guidelines for safer consumption.

Read more on Alcohol and Drug Foundation website

Amphetamines - Alcohol and Drug Foundation

Explore how amphetamines speed up brain-body communication as powerful stimulants. Learn about their various forms, effects, risks, and signs of dependence.

Read more on Alcohol and Drug Foundation website

Alkyl nitrites (amyl) - Alcohol and Drug Foundation

Learn about Alkyl nitrites' (amyl) rapid euphoric effects, common uses, and health risks. Understand how this depressant impacts your cardiovascular system and brain function.

Read more on Alcohol and Drug Foundation website

Asprin - Alcohol and Drug Foundation

Discover aspirin's uses for pain, inflammation, and preventative health. Learn how this common NSAID works, its proper usage, potential side effects, and interaction risks.

Read more on Alcohol and Drug Foundation website

Ayahuasca - Alcohol and Drug Foundation

Explore ayahuasca's powerful psychedelic effects, traditional ceremonial uses, and modern practices. Learn about its impact on perception, potential risks, and legal status.

Read more on Alcohol and Drug Foundation website

Benzodiazepines - Alcohol and Drug Foundation

Understand benzodiazepines, their effects, risks, and usage. Learn about types, potential dangers, withdrawal symptoms, and safer alternatives.

Read more on Alcohol and Drug Foundation website

Betel Nut - Alcohol and Drug Foundation

Discover betel nut's cultural significance, stimulant effects, and health risks. Learn how it's prepared, consumed, and regulated, plus its potential long-term impacts.

Read more on Alcohol and Drug Foundation website

Buprenorphine - Long Acting Injectable - Alcohol and Drug Foundation

Learn how long-acting injectable buprenorphine works as a treatment for opioid dependence. Understand its benefits, administration process, side effects, and effectiveness.

Read more on Alcohol and Drug Foundation website

Buprenorphine - Alcohol and Drug Foundation

Understand how buprenorphine helps treat opioid dependence as a replacement therapy. Learn about its effects, administration methods, potential risks, and treatment benefits.

Read more on Alcohol and Drug Foundation website

Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

1800 882 436

Video call

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

© 2025 Healthdirect Australia Limited

This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.

The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.