Turning Point director Professor Nick Crofts helps out a Turning Point counsellor as she provides advice to Cranbourne people with drug or alcohol issues.CRANBOURNE residents who have problems with drug or alcohol are being offered two new free services.
Not-for-profit organisation Turning Point has launched phone and Internet counselling services.
A 24-hour a day free phone counselling service called Direct Line and an Internet service will be free for people who have issues with drug or alcohol.
Turning Point director Professor Nick Crofts said alcohol and drugs could tear someone’s life apart over time, but Turning Point experts offered immediate counselling and support, including crisis intervention.
“Just because you are drowning with a problem with alcohol or drugs, doesn’t mean you can’t fix it,” he said.
“We find some people that call us just don’t realise they have a problem.
“Part of what we do is try to assess people’s situations so that they know what has to happen next.”
Prof Crofts said about 175 Australians ended up in hospital each day because of alcohol.
“It creates injury and assault and, last year Australians drank their way through $23 billion of alcohol,” he said.
“We have to wake up.
“Drugs can hook anybody – and once you’re in it can be very difficult to stop the dependence.
“Our message is simple – if you think you might have an issue with alcohol or drugs, ask for help. It’s there.”
Turning Point has been operating since 1994 and is affiliated with Melbourne’s St Vincent’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne.
For free advice call Direct Line 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1800 888 236 or go to counsellingonline.org.au.
