Media Release: SMART Recovery Australia welcomes NSW drug-treatment funding

22nd September 2022 

SMART Recovery Australia has welcomed the NSW Government’s response to the Special Commission of Inquiry into the drug, ‘Ice’. Over the past decade, the drug has become increasingly prevalent with estimates suggesting around 28,000 people are dependent on it in NSW alone. [1]

SMART Recovery Australia, a harm minimisation mutual-aid support group, said the half-a-billion package announced by the NSW Government yesterday is much needed and applauded the focus on early intervention.

“This groundbreaking funding will help more people across NSW seek and receive evidenced-based treatment early,” SMART Recovery Australia Chief Executive Officer, April Long said.

SMART Recovery Australia was pleased to see that the government has committed $11.7 million to enhancing digital capability and virtual healthcare. SMART Recovery online meetings are a critical service offering for people in regional and remote communities.

“More than 60 SMART Recovery online and face-to-face meetings are delivered in NSW each week. With an increased investment in support meetings we can ensure more people across NSW, including those in diversion programs are provided a health response that has proven to be effective in helping people manage addictive behaviours,” stated April.

SMART Recovery meetings are held online and face-to-face and have proven to be effective for people with addictive behaviours including those who report using the drug ice.

A recent Australian external evaluation of SMART online meetings surveyed over 1,400 people. Of the 14.5% (205 people) reporting they attended for methamphetamine use, 96% planned to continue attending SMART online meetings, 95% felt supported and understood by people attending and, importantly, 92% said they were taking away practical strategies, ideas and tools from that day’s group to help them manage their behaviour. [2]

Media interviews: April Long, Chief Executive Officer, on 0412206205 or email along@srau.org.au

About SMART Recovery Australia

SMART Recovery Australia is a mutual-aid and strengths-based program where trained facilitators, often peers, lead group discussions that assist people struggling with addictive behaviours. It is practical and solution-focused, using evidence-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) tools and techniques to help people achieve their recovery goals. Group participants help themselves and each other.

Footnotes:
[1] https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/researchpapers/Pages/crystal-methamphetamine-use-in-new-south-wales.aspx
[2] Online SMART Recovery mutual support groups: Characteristics and experience of adults seeking treatment for methamphetamine compared to those seeking treatment for other addictive behaviours.
Alison K. Beck,Briony Larance,Victoria Manning,Leanne Hides,Amanda L. Baker,Frank P. Deane,Anthony Shakeshaft,Dayle Raftery,Peter J. Kelly https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/dar.135