Reducing Harm from Alcohol and Drugs

A Harm Reduction Approach

Harm reduction is about reducing the negative health, social and economic consequences of drug use for the user, their families and the wider community, encouraging safer behaviours through safer settings.

Alcohol and drug service support are available. Treatment and support services are effective in reducing risky alcohol and drug use.

Alcohol

Compared to other council’s in South East Melbourne, Greater Dandenong has a relatively low overall risk of alcohol-related harm. However, there are specific pockets of risky drinking that show an increased risk of alcohol harm. This means people who drink harmful amounts of alcohol are more likely to experience negative effects on their health, relationships, or safety than those who drink less or not at all.

• Ambulance attendance: the rate of ambulance attendances for alcohol intoxication in Greater Dandenong during 2022-2023 was 13% higher than the metro level.
• Similarly, the rate of local ambulance attendances relation to acute effects of alcohol consumption in the same year was 16% greater than the metro average.
• The rate of family violence incidence in CGD recorded in 2021-2022 where alcohol was present was 23% higher than the metro level.
• The rate of mortality due to circumstances associated with alcohol use in CGD in 2021 was 12% higher than the metro rate.

Drugs

Drug use refers to the consumption of substances that affect the body and mental health. These can include legal and illicit drugs.

Drug use is a complex issue because it touches many aspects of life and society.

• Health impacts include physical and mental health challenges, addiction and the risk of overdose.
• Social influences such as poverty, trauma, peer pressure and limited support systems can increase vulnerability.
• Legal and policy frameworks vary widely, affecting how drug use and possession is addressed through laws, treatment access and harm reduction strategies.
  Cultural attitudes also play a role. Some communities feel strongly about punishment, while others focus on support, education and rehabilitation.

Needle and Syringe Program

The Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) provides a free, integrated service offering access to sterile injecting equipment, treatment, education and support for people who use drugs. NSPs are designed to reduce the sharing of injecting equipment, helping to prevent the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C. Council supports NSP services due to their proven positive impact on individuals, families and communities, as well as their role in reducing harm and improving public amenity.

Further information can be found in the following community resource - Drug Safety.

Contact the Needle and Syringe Program outreach team at Monash Health on 1800 642 287.

Support services for drug affected people or public injecting

If you are concerned about an adult using drugs, contact SECADA on 1800 142 536.

If your concern is about a young person (under 25 years), contact Youth Support and Advocacy Service on 9701 3488.

Confidential alcohol, drug information and advice

For information, counselling and referral for alcohol and drug issues (including syringe programs), call DirectLine on 1800 888 236 (available 24 hours).