QNADA News

2022-23 Alcohol and other Drug Treatment Services National Minimum Data Set

The Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Services National Minimum Data Set (AODTS NMDS) contains information about alcohol and other drug treatment services; the clients who use these services; the type of issues for which treatment is sought and the types of treatment provided.

In 2022-2023, 107 non-government organisations and alcohol and other drug treatment establishments across Queensland submitted data to the AODTS NMDS through QNADA, including statewide residential treatment services. The submission included 22,393 closed treatment episodes to 17,020 clients aged 10+, a small increase from 21,678 episodes in 2021-2022.

Counselling was the most accessed treatment type (48%) followed by support and case management (17%), and rehabilitation (16%). More than half of episodes were provided to male clients (55%). Alcohol was the most common principal drug of concern for which clients sought treatment (36%), followed by amphetamines (32%) and Cannabinoids (14%).

Data interpretation notes: The data is limited to those NGO AODTS who submit through QNADA, including statewide residential treatment services. Data from AODS or similar government services is not included. Please note, in some cases, agencies may not submit data to QNADA.

Please click here to view or download the full 2022-23 National Minimum Data Set report

Taking collective action: Establishing an Overdose Monitoring System in Queensland

This paper provides a brief overview of the background, evidence, and opportunities for establishing an overdose monitoring system in Queensland. It has been developed by QNADA for the Queensland Mental Health Commission to explore ‘what works, when and why’ to help facilitate further stakeholder discussions and refine an agreed approach.

Please click on the image below to view or download the full paper.

2021-22 Alcohol and other Drug Treatment Services National Minimum Data Set

The Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Services National Minimum Data Set (AODTS NMDS) contains information about alcohol and other drug treatment services; the clients who use these services; the types of issues for which treatment is sought and the types of treatment provided.

Data interpretation notes: The data is limited to those NGO AODTS who submit through QNADA, including statewide residential treatment services. Data from AODS or similar government services is not included. Please note, in some cases, agencies may not submit data to QNADA.

In 2021-22, 106 establishments provided 21,678 closed treatment episodes to 14,613 clients aged 10+

Click here for more info: 2021-22 NMDS

New policy position paper

This Systemic Responses: Child Protection position paper is the next iteration of the initial Systemic Responses position paper endorsed by the QNADA board in 2019. Our work on the Responsive Systems project since then has developed our position to be able to separately address issues in the criminal justice system, youth justice system, and child safety system as each has unique intersections with our sector and impacts people who use drugs differently. We want to do a deep dive into each of these systems and suggest how they could improve their responses to better align with evidence on what works to improve the wellbeing of individuals and communities.

Please click on the image below to read and download the full paper.

Refreshed resource – Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Treatment Fact Sheet

The Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Treatment Fact Sheet for non-AOD Treatment Services has recently been updated. 

This fact sheet outlines and discusses some key fundamental elements of the AOD treatment and harm reduction sector. It contains information on common AOD service options, the use of non-stigmatising language, harm reduction advice, and how to make a referral to an AOD service. This resource is suitable for anyone who are new to or hasn’t worked in the AOD sector. 

Please click on the image below to view or download the full fact sheet.

Working with AOD Clients Experiencing Housing Issues & Homelessness Fact Sheet

The Working with AOD Clients Experiencing Housing Issues & Homelessness Fact Sheet has recently been refreshed. We know AOD workers are likely to work with clients who may experience issues with their housing situation, so it’s important to have information on hand to provide support.

Please click on the image below to view or download the full fact sheet.

The Working with AOD Clients who Experience Mental Health Issues fact sheet has recently been refreshed

Please click on the image below to view or download the full fact sheet.

New policy position paper

This Systemic Responses: Young People and the Justice System position paper is the next iteration of the initial Systemic Responses position paper endorsed by the QNADA board in 2019. Our work on the Responsive Systems project since then has developed our position to be able to separately address issues in the criminal justice system, youth justice system, and child safety system as each has unique intersections with our sector and impacts people who use drugs differently. We want to do a deep dive into each of these systems and suggest how they could improve their responses to better align with evidence on what works to improve the wellbeing of individuals and communities.

Please click on the image below to read and download the full paper.

Submission to the Inquiry into Reducing Rates of E-Cigarette Use in Queensland

This submission discusses a range of issues relevant to the Committee’s terms of reference including:

• the importance of understanding the limitations of how data around e-cigarette use (vaping) is currently collated and reported;
• that the overall ‘risks’ of nicotine vaping products are significantly less than those associated with traditional cigarettes and it is important that any perceived risks are balanced against evidence which shows their potential for use as a smoking cessation aid;
• that any approaches in schools and other settings relevant to children and young people which seek to discourage the uptake and use of e-cigarettes should be evidence informed and accord with ‘what works’ in responding to alcohol and other drug use among young people;
• the need for a better understanding of the available research about the risks and harms associated with e-cigarettes, which are largely associated with the currently unregulated market; and
• the overarching need to re-establish a national governance framework for responding to these types of emergent issues in a more coordinated way.

Please click here to read the full submission.

Submission to the Independent Commission of Inquiry into Queensland Policy Service Responses to Domestic and Family Violence

This submission seeks to build on QNADA’s Submission to the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce which considered:

• the role that non-government alcohol and other drug treatment and harm reduction services can play in responding to domestic and family violence;
• the ongoing importance of enhancing understanding of the inter-relationship between domestic and family violence and alcohol and other drug use;
• and the stigma and discrimination faced by victims of domestic and family violence who may use substances (particularly illicit drugs).

In considering the Commission’s Terms of Reference and the experiences of the people engaged with our member services who are impacted by domestic and family violence this submission makes a number of observations in relation to:

• the impact of stigma and discrimination on if, how, and when victims may seek assistance from police, particularly where they use illicit drugs;
• the current inability of agencies to safely advocate at an individual, local or systems level where instances of poor service delivery from police may be identified; and
• the evident disconnect between a stated policy intent and how initiatives are implemented operationally across the Queensland Police Service.

Please click here to read the full submission.

We’ve moved!

We’ve moved! Our new address is 6b, level 6, 116 Adelaide Street, Brisbane City QLD 4000. Our new number for the office is 0419 945 932!

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New policy position paper

This Systemic Responses: Criminal Justice position paper is the next iteration of the initial Systemic Responses position paper endorsed by the QNADA board in 2019. Our work on the Responsive Systems project since then has developed our position to be able to separately address issues in the criminal justice system, youth justice system, and child safety system as each has unique intersections with our sector and impacts people who use drugs differently. We want to do a deep dive into each of these systems and suggest how they could improve their responses to better align with evidence on what works to improve the wellbeing of individuals and communities.

Please click on the image below to read and download the full paper.