Adis 24/7 Alcohol and Drug Support SMS Support Program: a new lifeline for Queenslanders experiencing alcohol and other drug concerns
Hannah King, Clinical Lead at Adis 24/7 Alcohol and Drug Support
A Queensland-based SMS support program is providing an innovative and accessible solution for individuals wanting to change their alcohol and drug use.
The program provides tailored text message support and is designed to help individuals manage their substance use and improve their overall wellbeing.
The Adis SMS Support Program, which launched in July 2024, has already demonstrated its effectiveness, with high participation and completion rates in its first year.
“The SMS Support Program aims to increase accessibility and support avenues within alcohol and drug treatment to a broad audience,” said Hannah King, Acting Clinical Lead at Adis 24/7 Alcohol and Drug Support.
“We are always looking for innovative ways to provide help to those who need it.”
Participants can choose from three tailored programs including:
- A 30-day program with two support messages a day
- A detox support program designed to complement medically supported detox for 14 days
- A weekend tips program that offers guidance during higher-risk periods like Fridays and weekends.
Ms King and her colleagues undertook an evaluation of the program to provide a snapshot of the first year of data from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025. In its first year, the program achieved high completion rates across all three programs:
- 30-day support: 80% completion
- Detox support (14 days): 90% completion
- Weekend tips (4 weekends): 83% completion
Participant feedback was positive for all areas of impact, stating that the SMS support program improved their knowledge and understanding of alcohol and other drugs, attitude and intent to change, confidence to seek help and reduced substance related harms.
The SMS Support Program is part of a broader effort to make alcohol and drug support more accessible to Queenslanders. In addition to the SMS program, Adis offers a 24/7 phone line, as well as web chat service from 8 am to 10 pm, providing multiple ways for individuals to seek help.
“Some people prefer an SMS, some prefer calling, and some people prefer to chat online,” Ms King said.
“It’s about increasing access and offering different options for clients. That’s been the best thing so far.
“It’s been fantastic to demonstrate what we’re doing and show that this is another viable option for clients.
“We’re proud to continue to offer a service that makes a real difference in people’s lives.”
Adis 24/7 Alcohol and Drug Support is a 24-hour, 7 day a week confidential support service for people in Queensland with alcohol and other drug concerns, their families and health professionals. The Adis SMS Support Program is free and available statewide. Find out more here.