At Directions our focus is on helping anyone impacted by their own or other’s use of alcohol, drugs and other addictions to access the help and support they need to address substance use concerns and take positive steps towards improving their health and wellbeing.
We have provided a high quality range of programs and services to adults impacted by alcohol, drugs and other addictions for more than forty years. Over the years these programs and services have evolved and adapted to suit the changing needs of the community.
This experience has helped us to understand what is needed and how best to support you and those concerned about you. Read more…
Click on the links below to find out more about how we can help you:
- All of the programs and services provided at Directions are completely confidential and can be tailored to suit individual needs.
- Directions is a non-government organisation funded by ACT Health and the Australian Government Department of Health.
- Programs and services provided at Directions are available to anyone impacted by their own or another person’s use of alcohol, drugs or
other addictions. - Our aim is to work with our clients to find the best health options for their needs and improve their access to health services.
- We use a holistic approach in treating and supporting our clients that is underpinned by the latest social and scientific research.
- A key focus of our programs and services is to reduce the spread of blood-borne viruses and disease. We
manage the only Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) in the Canberra region, which includes two primary
locations and secondary NSPs in conjunction with health centres and participating pharmacies across
Canberra. - Our health interventions aim to minimise the harms caused by alcohol, drugs and other addictions and to
improve personal and public health. - Our programs and services are available from a number of different locations across the Canberra region.
To speak to us confidentially about your concerns, or make an appointment,
please use the details below to contact us
PO Box 538, Woden ACT 2606
02 6132 4800
02 6132 4801
[email protected]
besides the children I’ve been blessed with”
Is your life impacted by alcohol, tobacco or other drugs? These self assessment screening tools can help you work out if your drinking levels and/or drug use is a problem for you.
Directions staff use validated outcome measurement tools, including the Drug and Alcohol Star, completed in collaboration with clients. These tools assist clients to gauge their progress in the areas important to them.
A rating is given for each of the above areas. This enables you to work with your case manager on your areas of need so you can start thinking about the actions you want to take and the support required to help you on your way.
The Drug and Alcohol Star helps us focus on what needs to change. The Star looks at 10 areas of your life:
- Drug and alcohol use
- Physical health
- Emotional health
- Meaningful use of time
- Community
- Accommodation
- Money
- Offending
- Family
- Relationships
A rating is given for each of the above areas. This enables you to work with your case manager on your areas of need so you can start thinking about the actions you want to take and the support required to help you on your way.
The Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS) is a 5-item questionnaire that provides a score indicating the severity of dependence on opioids. Each of the five items is scored on a 4-point scale (0-3). The total score is obtained through the addition of the 5-item ratings. The higher the score the higher the level of dependence. The SDS takes less than a minute to complete.
