Who We Are

Why We Exist

In the early 1980s, the Drug Awareness & Relief Foundation Australia (then the Queensland Temperance League) began to respond to the emerging symptoms and challenges of an increase in drug use in our communities. By the 1990s, Australia had one of the biggest drug problems in the world and was in the grips of a national heroin epidemic. The organisation was shocked and saddened by the level of hardship being faced by people using drugs and the impacts on their families. How was this happening in our community?

Receiving daily calls for support, they responded, establishing Drug ARM as a service that could provide practical preventative support for all harmful drugs. Since then, Drug ARM has been working to reduce the pain, hardship and other harms caused by alcohol and other drugs.  Over time, we have strengthened our commitment to helping people and families impacted by substance use, as well as supporting prevention through public education and advocacy.

Throughout all of this, we’ve always remained optimistic that change is possible. That’s why, whether it’s a whole community or just one person, Drug ARM will always be there to lend a helping hand.

Our Ethos

Drug ARM is an organisation founded and based on Christian Principles.

The Dignity of People

There is a clear recognition in Scripture that each person is of unique value, created in the image of God and is loved by God. Drug ARM staff and volunteers have a particular responsibility to respect all people and enable them to live their lives to the fullest, as God desires for all people. Drug ARM staff and volunteers are called to serve, with compassion for all people who seek care and support, recognising their value and dignity.

Justice and Integrity in Service

Drug ARM aims to bring about a positive change for the individual and society. The staff and volunteers are called to act with integrity, love and respect towards all people who will be treated with care and consideration without regard to their social, ethnic, racial, cultural or religious backgrounds.

Service in Humility and Love

Drug ARM staff and volunteers are empowered by God’s love to provide service delivered in genuine humility and marked by love. The abuse of power and privilege has no place in the exercise of a Christ-like ministry. Drug ARM staff and volunteers must be sensitive to their relationships with those with whom they come in contact. In demonstrating the love of God they avoid causing harm and they actively seek to improve the quality of life of others.

Shared Responsibility

Drug ARM staff and volunteers are called to share in this outreach of Christ. Within this responsibility they must be aware of the need to maintain and promote Biblical standards in the conduct of their work and to adhere to the responsibilities laid down in Drug ARM policies, procedures and other manuals. In reliance upon the grace of God, staff and volunteers will work together to provide a high standard of service delivery to those they serve in the community.

Our Reach

Drug ARM delivers alcohol and other drug awareness, rehabilitation and management across New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland from 19 service hubs and 2 Op Shops. Our teams also provided mobile and telehealth outreach, and delivered in correctional centres, extending our arm of support to even more people. The following map shows where our service hubs are located. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of all these lands upon which we work and serve, and pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging.

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