Helping Young People with Alcohol and Other Drug Dependencies
Many young Australians aged 12-17 years frequently consume alcohol, with many engaging in regular risky drinking practices[1]. In 2022-23, it was also reported that one out of every five individuals aged 18-24 years were using e-cigarettes, a notable increase from one in 20 individuals in 2019[2]. Alcohol and other drug (AOD) dependence can stem from […]
Helping Young People Quit Vaping and E-Cigarettes
E-cigarettes, also known as vapes, are filled with liquids which typically contain nicotine, artificial flavourings and various chemicals. The liquid is heated into a vapour which is then inhaled into the users lungs. Unlike cigarettes, they do not contain tobacco. Electronic cigarettes can be harmful to users and non-users who are exposed to the aerosols […]
Substance Misuse Help this Festive Season and Beyond
Alcohol and other drugs (AOD) use is a major cause of preventable disease, illness and death in Australia. As we head into the festive season, there are a range of services which are available to patients and community members struggling with various addictions. As the Western Sydney Primary Health Network, WentWest has been tasked by […]
WentWest Stories, Odyssey House: Bryan’s story
Odyssey House works with people from all ages and walks of life to help them break cycles of dependence on alcohol and other drugs (AOD). The Western Sydney Primary Health Network funds Odyssey House to provide free treatment, counselling, peer groups, education and aftercare support to help community members build sustainable healthy habits, recognise negative […]
WentWest Stories, headfyrst: Carlos’s Story
Salvation Army Youthlink and selected headspace youth mental health centres in Western Sydney are working together to provide the headfyrst program. The collaborative headfyrst project aims to reduce the barriers faced by young people aged 12-25 years in accessing alcohol and other drug (AOD) and mental health services in by providing resources, counselling and […]
AOD Dependency in Young People: Changing Future Outcomes
Current research shows that almost one in seven (14%) children and adolescents aged 4–17 years are estimated to have experienced a mental illness in the previous 12 months[1], and over a third of 15-19-year-olds are concerned about coping with mental health issues.[2] In 2019-20, over one in 10 clients who sought treatment for their […]
WentWest Stories, Odyssey House: Sharon’s story
Odyssey House works with people from all ages and walks of life to help them break cycles of dependence on alcohol and other drugs (AOD). The Western Sydney Primary Health Network funds Odyssey House to provide free treatment, counselling, peer groups, education and aftercare support to help community members build sustainable healthy habits, recognise negative […]
Helping People Live a Drug and Alcohol-Free Lifestyle
Many people have alcohol and other drug dependencies as the result of a combination of personal and complex underlying experiences or conditions. Abuse of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) can lead to illness, injuries sustained while intoxicated, brain damage and respiratory problems. The damage caused by AOD does not just affect the individual but also […]
WentWest Stories, headfyrst: Ramon’s Story
Salvation Army Youthlink and selected headspace youth mental health centres in Western Sydney are working together to provide the headfyrst program. The collaborative headfyrst project aims to reduce the barriers faced by young people aged 12-25 years in accessing alcohol and other drug (AOD) and mental health services in by providing resources, counselling and support […]
WentWest Stories, headfyrst: Max’s Story
The headfyrst program is a collaborative service between the Salvation Army Youthlink and selected headspace Youth Mental Health Centres in Western and South Western Sydney. This innovative, free service helps 12-25-year-olds experiencing a dependency on alcohol and other drugs (AOD) along with mental health challenges. In Australia, data suggests that over a third of 15-19-year-olds […]