National Family Drug Support Day

Mr GEE (Napier) (15:00): My question is to the Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse. Following National Family Drug Support Day on 24 February 2016, how is the government supporting families affected by the use of alcohol and other drugs in our community?

The Hon. L.A. VLAHOS (Taylor—Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse) (15:00): I thank the member for his question. The South Australian government does not support the use of illicit drugs, and users of these substances are always putting their life at risk. That is why, as a government, we have a strong focus on preventing the uptake of illicit drugs, on reducing the harmful effects of drug abuse, and on offering pathways out of harmful drug use through the provision of appropriate interventions, treatments and rehabilitation services. The South Australian Alcohol and Other Drug Strategy 2011-2016 underpins the state's commitment in this area, and we are currently working on the development of a new strategy for the 2017-2021 period.

Drugs affect not only individuals, they also affect families. On 24 February this year I attended the first annual National Family Drug Support Day, an event highlighting the need for families affected by drug use to not only be recognised and heard but also to be supported and encouraged to speak of their concerns and needs. Research has shown that people will often talk to family members about their personal and family experiences with alcohol and other drug problems before they seek external support. We also know that the stigma still commonly associated with alcohol and drug problems often creates a significant barrier to families seeking professional assistance.

That is where services like Family Drug Support come in. In 2014, Family Drug Support courses, information sessions and support groups attracted about 200 attendees in South Australia alone. Additionally, there were more than 1,000 telephone contacts made to provide support. That is 1,200 people receiving support, counselling and advice in a time they find very difficult and in which they need support.

The government, through SA Health, has provided funding to Family Drug Support for many years—in fact, I believe it is up to a decade now—to assist families to deal with alcohol and other drug issues in ways that strengthen relationships and achieve positive outcomes. This commitment to funding aims to increase:

access to effective and timely crisis support and resources by families affected by substance abuse and misuse;

coping strategies for family units to address drug use and other issues; and

interfamily support through appropriate recruitment strategies and group meetings.

I acknowledge the valuable support family members provide to loved ones with alcohol and other drug problems. This is an illness, and the important work that is being done by Family Drug Support in helping these families is crucial. However, effective responses to alcohol and other drugs require a multi-agency response, and I also acknowledge the valuable work of so many other government and non-government organisations that come together to support individuals and families experiencing the harms associated with alcohol and other drug use and to provide access to the services when they need them as well.