Counselling - Individual and family counselling is client centred, holistic and utilises innovative and best practise approaches.  MDECC acknowledges that many people struggle with both drug and alcohol use and mental health problems, often referred to as a dual diagnosis.  Counselling at MDECC addresses dual diagnosis issues, including information, education, treatment and referral.

Drug or alcohol use often affects the whole family, not just the drug user. And everyone's response to drug or alcohol use can vary. Some family members may feel more concerned about the use than the actual person who is using. Even if the loved one is not ready to change or address their drug or alcohol use, receiving support and developing new skills and awareness can help the family cope and promote change to the family environment.

For those whose loved one is receiving treatment it can be beneficial for other family members to also gain support and skills to help explore and nurture family relationships and meaningful life choices.

Paving Ways - This is a 6 week program, which aims to provide support, education and increase coping skills for parents or other family members whose lives are affected by someone else's drug or alcohol use. Most families feel isolated by the problem and initially attempt to solve it by trying to get the family member to stop using. While the program explores a wide range of issues that impact on families, it is not designed to focus on changing the person who is using drugs or alcohol.

The program is based on the principle that you cannot control or change another person directly. However, by focusing on empowering themselves and discovering what they can do differently can enhance their own wellbeing as well as relationships within the family. Family members often benefit from gaining support as well as learning more about what can motivate their loved one to take responsibility for their drug or alcohol use. MORE... If you are interested in learning more about this program, contact MDECC on 02 99770711


Paving Ways Reunions and Peer Support Meetings - Paving Ways program participants are welcomed to continue to access ongoing support via the reunions and the peer support meetings. The reunions are held approximately every three months and are facilitated by two of the MDECC counsellors. The peer support meetings are also held every three months, usually in between reunion meetings. The peer support meetings are held at MDECC and they are hosted by past Paving Ways participants. These meetings are great for family members to continue to maintain support, encouragement and to refresh their coping skills within a peer support environment.

What some people have said about Paving Ways Reunions and Peer Support Meetings

"It's extremely valuable to share stories with other people experiencing similar issues. I feel very positive about being involved in this process. This is a very empathic environment."

"The reunions help remind me that there is hope, to stay sane and to look after myself."