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EMERGENCY

In an emergency, always call triple zero (000). It’s a free call from any phone, mobile or phone box.

For other urgent medical issues, go to an Emergency Department.

Our Emergency Departments are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week:

The Northern NSW Local Health District Alcohol and Other Drugs Services offer a confidential and supportive service for people affected by alcohol and other drug issues. 

We provide a range of interventions to help support your decision to reduce or cease substance use.

The multidisciplinary healthcare team consists of medical officers (Staff Specialists and Consultants), Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Consultants, Clinical Nurse Educators/ Nurse Educator, Registered Nurses, Aboriginal Health Workers, Allied Health Staff, Peer Workers, and Administration officers.

The Riverlands Inpatient Withdrawal Unit is located adjacent to Lismore Base Hospital and provides voluntary admission and treatment in the inpatient setting to support people who require assistance with alcohol and other drug detoxification and ongoing management. 

Additionally, we offer a consultation liaison service at Tweed Valley, Byron/Ballina, Grafton, and Lismore hospitals to provide specialist assessment, advice, and recommendations regarding the management of patients with alcohol and other drug related issues under the care of treating teams in these hospitals. 

Community based treatment services include: 

  • Opioid Treatment Programs (OTP) at Lismore, Nimbin, Grafton and Tweed Valley Hospital which provide opioid replacement medications including Methadone, Buprenorphine and Suboxone for people who have an opioid dependence.
  • The Magistrates Early Referral into Treatment (MERIT) court diversion program is district wide and provides case management (up to 3 months) for people who have court charges and illicit substance use dependency.
  • Specialist AOD counsellors district wide including Youth Services at Byron who provide individual support to reduce or cease drug use. An Aboriginal specific worker may also be available.
  • Community Engagement Team (CET) workers at Grafton, Lismore and Tweed outreaching to local communities in these regions who provide community-based support services for people who are not currently accessing AOD services.
  • District wide Perinatal Substance Use Services are provided for women with complex substance use and dependence.

For further information, visit Alcohol and Other Drugs Services