For most, we tend to think of Christmas as an opportunity to come together with our friends and family in celebration. However, for a number of Australians, the lead up to Christmas and New Year’s is not all that merry or bright.
Jim recently contacted Drug ARM via our website to share his recovery story with a view to helping and inspiring others. Jim’s story follows his problematic use of substances during his teenaged years.
Alcohol being too freely available, with online purchasing and delivery at all hours to homes, is fuelling some dire consequences in relation to domestic, family and sexual violence. Drug ARM welcomes a report seeking to address the grim problem and is calling for alcohol-related reforms.
In the middle of winter, on a Thursday night, Drug ARM’s Executive Director/CEO, Brad Strong, went out on patrol with our Maryborough Street Outreach team. Guided by Team Leader, Marty, they visited hotspots where Brad gained firsthand experience of the strong need for support.
In the lead-up to NAIDOC Week 2024, Drug ARM’s Winangalabaa centre hosted a dedication ceremony. Guests were met by blue skies, a warm Welcome to Country, three Aunties and the local Drug ARM team, who do so much for their community.
At Drug ARM, we still see men adhering to stigmas, and the attitudes that they don’t need to get regular health checks or treatment – that they can push on, deal with it later, or just don’t want to know about it. This Men’s Health Week (June 10 to 16), we turn the spotlight on men’s health, and the courage it takes to call a support service like Drug ARM.
One of our longest-serving, current Street Outreach Service volunteers reflects on the changes she sees in regular patrons, following persistent check-ins with them. Interested in volunteering? Get in contact with us.
May 2024 marked 35 years of Drug ARM’s Street Outreach Services. When speaking to one of our early patrons, we found the service had left a lasting impression on him. So much so, he’s now an outreach volunteer. This is Joseph’s story of receiving and giving.
Pill testing has commenced in Queensland, offering a harm reduction service for those intending to use drugs. However, the intervention is not a silver bullet when it comes to safety.
Being stopped in traffic can be enough to trigger a heightened response. How to deal with such reactions, and how to cope with other life stresses, are just some of the strategies our clients are learning, as part of our Day Program. Our Day Program is a free, comprehensive alcohol and other drug treatment program. For some, it’s the first lifeline they’ve ever been thrown.
