AFINet Oceania
AFINet Oceania
Addiction and the Family International Network
About the Network
AFINet Oceania (formerly the AOD Family Research and Practice Network) connects researchers and professionals working with families, friends and significant others affected by Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) use in the Oceania region. The Network aims to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among researchers and service providers. Membership is voluntary and meetings are held every 6-8 weeks, offering a space for respectful open dialogue and connection.
Getting involved
If you are interested in coming along to our next meeting or finding out more, get in touch with us via email.
Who are we?
We are a growing community of over 60 researchers, practitioners and service providers passionate about increasing the profile of affected families in the Oceania region. The network was established in 2024 by Julie, Paige and Clare after identifying a need to foster collaboration in this sector.
Dr. Julie Perrin
Julie is a Clinical and Mental Health Accredited Social Worker, with almost 40 years experience in the AOD sector, including working with couples and families. Her research focuses on drug-related death (DRD) sibling bereavement.
Paige Webb
Paige is a research officer and PhD candidate at the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales. Her PhD explores the influence of methamphetamine use on the families of people who use it.
Dr. Clare Rushton
Clare is an early career researcher, Clinical Psychologist and AOD Clinical Supervisor with experience working with people using AOD and their families. Her research investigates how to address families' support needs, independent of their loved one's engagement in treatment.
Australian Resources
Support services for families and friends in Australia
Family Drug Support
1300 368 186
Free information on all aspects of alcohol and drug use for the families of people who use substances. 24h phone support for families affected by alcohol and other drug issues and bereaved families in Australia. Support and information/psycho-educational groups are run both
on-line and in-person.
Al-Anon
Al-Anon: 1300 252 666
Mutual support groups and phone support to help families and friends cope with the effects of someone else’s drinking or drug use. Groups are run both online and in-person across Australia.
SHARC - Family Drug and Gambling Help
1300 660 068
Practical help, information and support to families and friends affected by someone’s drinking, drug use or gambling.
SMART Family and Friends
Strengths-based mutual support program, run online. The program is designed to help anyone affected by the addictive behaviour of someone close to them.
National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline
Automatically directed to the Alcohol and Drug Information Service in the state or territory you are calling from. Free and confidential advice and assistance connecting to the most appropriate services.
![5SM logo strapline 2 line-black-bg-02[33].heic](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/045bed_3f1d000c67bd45a3b420ea3d1672ff0f~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_0,y_23,w_978,h_978/fill/w_121,h_121,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/5SM%20logo%20strapline%202%20line-black-bg-02%5B33%5D_heic.png)
The 5-Step Method
Australia
A simple, brief, semi-structured, evidenced based intervention designed to help affected family members. For for information or to be connected with a 5-Step Method practitioner email: 5stepmethodaustralia@gmail.com
Cracks in the Ice
cracksintheice.org.au/families-friends
Methamphetamine information and resources. Information about helping a loved one who may be using ice, including tips for starting a conversation, how to protect yourself and where to get additional support.
Alcohol and Drug Foundation
adf.org.au/help-support/path2help
Up-to-date resources to assist people looking for ways to support their loved ones who use alcohol and/or other drugs.
Odyssey House
NSW
Aotearoa New Zealand Resources
Support for families and friends in Aotearoa New Zealand
Family Drug Support - Aotearoa New Zealand
Assistance for families, whānau and friends to deal with the alcohol and/or other drug use of their loved ones in a way that rebuilds and strengthens relationships and achieves positive outcomes for them, and for you.
The Level
A guide for people who use drugs, as well as an educational tool for family and friends who support them. Help for them to think about their relationship with drugs and whether it’s time to make a change.
Alcohol & Drug Helpline
https://alcoholdrughelp.org.nz/
Information & advice to help you understand & care for someone using alcohol or other drugs.
Call 0800 787 797 or text 8681.
Māori helpline 0800 787 798.
Pasifika helpline 0800 787 799.
Youth line 0800 797 984.
Resources for Service Providers
Further training opportunities for service providers
The 5-Step Method
https://www.afinetwork.info/5-step-method-resources-introduction
A simple, brief, semi-structured psychosocial intervention that helps affected family members.
Contact an accredited Australian and NZ trainer by email:
Insight eLearning course – Family inclusive AOD practice
https://dovetail.org.au/news/new-insight-elearning-course-family-inclusive-aod-practice
An introduction to family inclusive practice, providing tools that workers can use to enhance their practice in this area.
The National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction
https://nceta.flinders.edu.au/
NCETA provide information and access to a wide range of AOD resources and research.
Contact us
If you are interested in finding out more about the network, get in touch with us via email.