Adis Senior Counsellor and Research Officer Clare Colwell.
A text-based support service is giving Queenslanders a discreet and accessible way to seek help for alcohol and drug use concerns.
In Queensland, alcohol and other drug use is a major leading cause of preventable disease, illness, injury, and death, with many people often delaying seeking treatment or support for their concerns.
To bridge this gap, the SMS Support Program, offered by Adis 24/7 Alcohol and Drug Support (part of Metro North Mental Hospital and Health Service), aims to provide an earlier support option to those who may not feel ready to seek other types of help.
While Adis 24/7 Alcohol and Drug Support receives more than 2,000 calls every month, Adis Senior Counsellor and Research Officer Clare Colwell said many people still hesitate to reach out until harms escalate.
“The SMS Support Program breaks down that initial barrier of reaching out for help, which we know so many people struggle with,” Clare said.
“Feelings of shame or stigma can make it even harder for people to ask for support, and this text program offers that support without an added layer of pressure.”
A gentle way to start
For those who don’t feel ready to talk, Clare said this program is a great soft entry point, offering an extra layer of support for those already working towards a goal.
“Whatever your goal is, I’d recommend this program to anyone looking for some extra support to reach their goals,” Clare said.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s a first attempt, or second, or third – each time you reach out for help you’re already one step closer to reaching your goal.
“Our hope is that it breaks down the barrier stopping people from reaching out to other forms of support, such as calling Adis or seeing a GP.”
Different programs for different goals
The SMS program provides three different support options to choose from including
- 30-day program (two support messages a day)
- Detox support program (designed to complement medically supported detox for 14 days)
- Weekend tips (offers guidance during higher-risk periods like Fridays and weekends)
The free program delivers strength-based, practical messages directly to a person’s phone, offering encouragement, education, and strategies to guide them on their journey at their own pace.
They’re designed to be supportive, not shame-based, reinforcing people’s goals without judgement and acknowledging that change often takes multiple attempts.
Example of an SMS from Adis' support program.
People who register can opt out of at any time, and in 2025 more than 600 Queenslanders signed up for at least one program, with 460 for the 30-day program, 128 for the detox program, and 53 for weekend tips.
Completion rates across all programs sit above 80 per cent, with overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Participants said they look forward to their daily messages, especially the afternoon messages on difficult days.
“It’s a nice reminder of their goals and a little boost of encouragement,” Clare said.
“For some people, it’s the first time they’ve ever engaged with a support service, and it helps them feel a little less nervous about taking the next step.”
Clare and her colleagues at Adis are encouraging Queenslanders to discuss their alcohol or other drug concerns and seek support early, whether through their GP, specialist services, or Adis.
“We know it can take a long time for someone to ask for help,” she said.
“This program gives you that first step – no matter how small, it can make all the difference.”
The Adis SMS Support Program is free and available statewide. Find out more (or opt in) here.
About Adis
For 40 years, Adis has been providing 24/7 free, anonymous and confidential support to Queenslanders who are worried about their own or someone else's alcohol or other drug use. Take their self-assessment quiz, it’s free and only takes five minutes. Reach out to Adis anytime, anywhere – 1800 177 833 or chat online from 8:00am to 10:00pm at adis.health.qld.gov.au. |