Drug and alcohol education

Communities, parents/guardians and the government share a responsibility to ensure young people know the possible consequences of drug and alcohol use and where to go if they need help.

Information on drugs and alcohol is available to help parents/guardians guide and inform their children. This page provides links and contacts for some of those resources.

Talking to your children

Research shows that young people look to their parents/guardians for advice about drugs and alcohol and value their point of view.

When talking to your child, be clear about where you stand, honest and informed.

Make sure you have the facts to answer your child’s questions.

Research and read about:

Drug and alcohol fact sheets are available to help you guide and advise your child.

Warning signs of drug and alcohol use

Dramatic changes in appearance and behaviour don’t always mean your child has a problem with alcohol or other drugs. It can be a normal part of growing up or an indication of something else that's bothering them (e.g. pressure at school).

Read about the signs of alcohol and drug use and how to raise this with your child.

Help and support

If you suspect that your child needs help with a drug or alcohol related problem, contact:

If you need help with your own alcohol or drug use, contact:

Treatment services are also provided in local communities by Queensland Hospital and Health Services, non-government and private organisations.

They include:

  • comprehensive assessments
  • brief interventions
  • counselling
  • rehabilitation (residential and non-residential)
  • withdrawal management
  • pharmacotherapies
  • case management and care coordination.

Search for a drug and alcohol treatment service near you.

To locate an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Service in your local area, visit the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council site.

Information for your children

Many websites offer information aimed at young people. Encourage your child to read more about keeping themselves safe and making smart decisions about drugs and alcohol. You may also find this information useful.

Supplying alcohol to minors

You can supply alcohol to an under 18 year old only if you are a 'responsible adult' for that person, are supervising them responsibly, and are in a private place.

In most instances, it is an offence for an adult to supply alcohol to a minor and you could be fined up to $13,816 if you break this law.

Schoolies

Is your child finishing school this year and planning an end-of-year trip? If they are, you should talk to them about ways to stay safe, like:

  • drinking in moderation—drink water or non-alcoholic drinks to space out alcoholic drinks
  • knowing their limits and not losing control—accidents and fights can happen when you drink too much alcohol too quickly
  • why they don’t need to drink to have fun—they can have a great time without getting drunk, there are heaps of alcohol-free activities at Schoolies.

Find out more ways your child can stay safe at Schoolies.

Government and community programs

There are various government and community initiatives aimed at drug and alcohol education and awareness, including:

Last updated:
1 July 2026