Alcohol and other drugs
Alcohol and other drugs support in Rutherford, confidential and respectful.
Confidential, non-judgemental support for alcohol and other drug use, for you or someone you care about.
Help without judgement.
If you are worried about your drinking or drug use, or about someone you care about, your GP is a good place to start. Conversations are confidential and respectful, and together you can work out the support that suits you.
Rutherford Doctors is a Medicare Bulk Billing Practice in Rutherford. Consultations are bulk billed for Medicare-eligible patients.
Ready to talk? Book a confidential appointment.
How we can help.
Choose a topic to learn what is involved and when to see a GP.
Alcohol
Understanding and reducing your drinking.
No more than 10 standard drinks a week, and no more than 4 on any one day.
Your GP can help you set goals and track progress.
Blood tests can check how alcohol is affecting your body.
Other drugs
Support for cannabis, stimulants, opioids and other drugs.
Talk openly about your use.
Information to stay safer.
Referral to specialist services and counselling.
Prescription medicines
Concerns about dependence on prescription medicines.
Your GP can review your medicines.
Plans to reduce medicines safely.
Referrals for extra support.
Family and friends
Support if someone you care about is using.
About how it is affecting you.
1300 368 186.
Your wellbeing matters too.
Where to get help now
Support outside the clinic.
1800 250 015, 24 hours a day.
Free online counselling for alcohol and drug concerns.
Call 000 in an emergency.
Something else on your mind? Our GPs can help.
Know the guidelines.
Australian guidelines to reduce the health risks of drinking alcohol.
Weekly
Healthy adults
The less you drink, the lower your risk.
Spread drinks out and have alcohol-free days.
Daily
Any one day
Drinking more on one occasion raises the risk of accidents and injury.
Alternate with water.
Young people
Under 18
Delaying drinking is safest.
Talk to your GP for support.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Not drinking is safest.
Talk to your GP if you need support.
Know your measure
Standard drink
A standard drink is often smaller than a typical pour.
Check the label for the number of standard drinks.
Guidelines are from the National Health and Medical Research Council. Your GP can talk about what they mean for you.
Want to cut down? Your GP can help.
Getting support.
How your GP can help.
Confidential
Your privacy
What you discuss is confidential, except in limited situations where someone's safety is at risk.
Withdrawal
Do not stop suddenly
Stopping suddenly after heavy drinking or some drugs can be dangerous. Talk to your GP first.
Call 000 if
- Someone is unconscious or not breathing normally
- Seizures
- Severe confusion or agitation
- Suspected overdose
Step by step
- 1Talk
Your GP listens without judgement.
- 2Assess
Your GP checks your health and may arrange blood tests.
- 3Plan
Together you agree goals, from cutting down to stopping.
- 4Support
Referrals to counselling or specialist services, and regular follow-up.
Book a confidential appointment.
Mental health
Alcohol and drug use often affects mood and stress. Your GP can help with both.
Specialist services
Your GP can refer you to local alcohol and drug services.
Where are you up to?
Select your situation.
Our GPs.
Choose a GP you feel comfortable with.
No preference? Book the first available GP.
Alcohol and other drugs questions.
Is it confidential?
Yes, except in limited situations where someone's safety is at risk. Your GP will explain.
Is the appointment bulk billed?
Yes, for Medicare-eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.
Is it safe to stop drinking suddenly?
Stopping suddenly after heavy drinking can be dangerous. Talk to your GP first.
What are the drinking guidelines?
No more than 10 standard drinks a week, and no more than 4 on any one day.
Where can I get help after hours?
ADIS NSW on 1800 250 015, 24 hours a day, or 000 in an emergency.
Further reading
Talking to your GP about your mental healthThis page provides general information about alcohol and other drugs services at Rutherford Doctors. It is not a substitute for advice about your own health. Please book an appointment to discuss your situation. In an emergency, call 000.
