MDECC views drug and alcohol problems in the broader context of emotional, social and health issues affecting individuals.  MDECC's underlying philosophy is harm minimisation.  MDECC provides a range of programs that target young people, parents, and families.  These include the Health Promotion Program, Peer Education Program, Intervention Program, and Counselling/Treatment Program.

The principles of health promotion are practiced across all programs at MDECC.  MDECC's Health Promotion Program offers public awareness, education, provision of resources, health and welfare provider training, and consultancy.

MDECC's Peer Education Program aims to mobilise members of the community to address drug and alcohol related concerns.

MDECC's Intervention Program uses a community development approach.  This means that drug and alcohol programs are developed in direct response to community-identified needs and target specific populations and environments.

MDECC provides a high quality drug and alcohol Counselling/Treatment Program.  MDECC's prime concern is to reduce, and if possible, eliminate the harm associated with drug and alcohol use.

MDECC acknowledges that not all people are motivated to change or seek treatment.  This highlights the importance of providing health promotion and early intervention programs.  MDECC aims to engage people with education and harm reduction strategies to reduce and where possible eliminate the harms associated with drugs and alcohol.