This webpage, developed by the Campbelltown Local Drug Action Team (LDAT) is filled with information, tips and resources for parents and carers. It’s designed to be a good starting point to guide you to the drug, alcohol, support and safety info you need to support your young people.
The Campbelltown LDAT is a group of local organisations working in partnership to address alcohol and other drug issues in our local community.
Sometimes it can be hard to decide what information is correct – especially when it comes to information about drugs and alcohol.
For up-to-date, evidence-based information about drugs and alcohol, our top picks are:
Comprehensive, factual information about alcohol and other drugs, including information about effects, overdoses, reducing harm, withdrawal and getting help.
An A-Z listing of drugs, with details about effects, emergencies, tolerance and dependence, information and advice, and links to resources.
0439 835 563
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation's anonymous SMS service that provides confidential information about drugs and alcohol. Simply text the name of any drug you want to learn more about to 0439 835 563 for an immediate answer.
Initiating conversations about drugs, alcohol and safety with your young people may seem daunting.
Here are our five top tips:
Avoid scare tactics and judgement – this won’t encourage them to open up to you
Listen to what they have to say (this will encourage them to be open and honest with you)
Know where to find factual and up-to-date information (so you can answer any curly questions they have)
Know what support services and resources are available (so you can point them in the right direction if they decide they want further information or support)
Let them know that you are always there to talk to if anything’s troubling them or if they have any questions or concerns in the future
Did you know that parental drinking, favourable attitudes around alcohol and supply of alcohol are risk factors in teenage drinking?
If you choose to drink alcohol, you can set a good example and have a powerful influence on your young person’s drinking attitudes and behaviour by:
Including alcohol-free days in your week
Sticking to the National Alcohol Guidelines (no more than four standard drinks on any one occasion and no more than 10 standard drinks in a week)
Practicing healthy ways to manage stress like exercise, listening to music or meditation to show that you don’t need to drink alcohol to deal with stress or wind down
Choosing not to drink alcohol at every event or celebration to show that you don’t need to drink alcohol to have fun
Is a young person in your life experiencing issues around drugs or alcohol? Here are some practical ways you could help them:
Educate yourself about the effects, withdrawal symptoms and dependence indicators of different drugs (so you can provide them with helpful information and answer any questions they have).
Creating a safe, non-judgemental space for open and honest conversations will help you to understand the reasons why they are using drugs or alcohol and the role the drug or alcohol use is playing in their lives.
Know where to find help so you can point them in the right direction if they decide they want further information or support.
Reach out for support for yourself if you feel unsure or overwhelmed. There are many different services that can provide you with support and information.
1300 031 131
Free, safe and confidential drug and alcohol services for young people aged 12-25 years. Part of the South Western Sydney Local Health District's Drug Health Services.
1300 368 186
This 24 hour telephone support line is for families affected by drugs and alcohol and also provides education and referral, and facilitates support groups across Australia.
1800 55 1800
Australia’s only free (even from a mobile), confidential, 24/7, online and phone counselling service for young people aged from five to 25.
Need some help but not sure where to turn? We can help. Connect with us or visit the Find Support Now page.
Find Support NowHelping young people to celebrate safely and reduce alcohol related harm. Our latest campaign has all the info.
Learn more