Substance Abuse Support Resources
What is Substance Abuse?
A way of coping that can cause harm
Substance use and addiction can affect anyone. Children in families impacted by alcohol or drugs, teenagers experimenting or managing stress, and adults who may turn to substances to cope with pain, trauma, or overwhelming circumstances. Substance use is not simply a matter of “bad choices” or moral weakness. It’s often a sign that someone is trying to manage deep emotional pain, mental health challenges, or environments where safer coping tools aren’t available. With compassionate, structured support, individuals can reduce harm, build healthier coping skills, and take steps toward recovery and stability.
It looks different for everyone
Not everyone who uses substances has an addiction, and not every addiction looks the same. Some may use alcohol or drugs occasionally, while others struggle with regular or heavy use. For some, it leads to physical dependence; for others, it’s more about emotional relief. The impact on daily life, relationships, and health can vary widely. Recognising these differences is essential to providing tailored support that meets people where they are.
Support should be safe and non-judgemental
Shaming or punishing someone for substance use rarely helps and often pushes people further away from getting help. Real support involves listening without judgment, addressing underlying causes, and creating safe pathways toward recovery whether that means harm reduction, rehabilitation, or ongoing therapeutic support. With the right understanding, people can regain control, rebuild their lives, and reconnect with community and purpose.
Championing People Affected by Substance Abuse
We support children, teens, and adults affected by substance use — whether it’s their own or a loved one’s. Our approach focuses on safety, understanding, and empowering people to make positive, sustainable changes.
Supporting emotional regulation and coping skills
We offer therapy and tools to manage cravings, big feelings, and stress without turning to substances.
Creating safe, stable environments
We help families and individuals set up supportive routines and spaces that reduce risks and promote wellbeing.
Guiding access to treatment and recovery programs
We assist individuals and families in navigating detox services, rehabilitation programs, and ongoing community supports.
Providing harm-reduction strategies
We teach safer ways to manage substance use, prevent overdose, and protect health while working toward recovery.
Rebuilding relationships and life skills
We help strengthen family connections, develop independence skills, and support pathways to education or employment after recovery.
How we can help those affected by Substance Abuse?
Whole Family Developmental Support →
Coaching for families to understand substance use and support recovery
Practical tools for setting safe, healthy home routines
Guidance for carers to maintain boundaries while showing compassion
Functional Capacity & Needs Assessments →
Assessments to understand how addiction affects daily living
Recommendations for rehabilitation supports and therapeutic services
NDIS planning to include harm reduction and recovery-focused supports
Skill-Building and Recovery Programs →
Coaching for life skills, employment readiness, and healthy routines
Structured programs for long-term recovery and resilience building
Support for strengthening family relationships and safe social connections
Positive Behaviour Support →
Behaviour plans to reduce high-risk behaviours linked to substance use
Strategies to manage cravings, triggers, and relapse prevention
Training for educators and carers to respond calmly and effectively
Psychology and Mental Health →
Therapy to address underlying trauma, stress, or mental health conditions
Building emotional regulation and safe coping mechanisms
Support for repairing self-esteem and rebuilding positive identity
Regional Intensives →
In-home and community-based support for people in remote areas
Hands-on guidance for managing substance-related challenges
Collaboration with local health and addiction services for ongoing support
Say G’day today and we can work together to see what we can do to support you.
Hear it from real families
“Before we understood what was really going on for J, every day felt like a struggle. Our support workers were doing their best, but nothing seemed to click. It often felt like we were all trying to push J into doing things, and the more we pushed, the more he shut down.
When Brooke and her team explained Autism & PDA to us, it was like someone finally turned the light on. We realised he wasn’t being difficult, he was doing everything he could to feel safe and in control.
With Brooke’s help, our whole approach changed. His support workers stopped trying to force things and started meeting him where he’s at by giving him time, space, and choices.
Now, J’s so much more relaxed. He actually wants to spend time with his workers because they see him for who he is. He laughs more, joins in on his own terms, and doesn’t feel like he has to mask or meet anyone else’s expectations.
It’s been incredible to watch him grow into himself, just by being accepted”
- J’s Mum
*Story and photo shared with permission. Not for reproduction.
Real people. Real experience.
Here for you.
We’re not just professionals — we’re people who get it.
Our team is proudly autistic-led, trauma-informed, and shaped by lived experience. We’ve sat on both sides of the table — as clinicians, as family members, and many of us as neurodivergent individuals ourselves.
We understand that life isn’t always neat or easy, and behaviour support should never feel like a judgement or try to change who you are.