Australian Drug Foundation

The Australian Drug Foundation (ADF) is a non-government, not-for-profit organisation based in Melbourne, Australia. The ADF's work is inclusive of both legal and illegal drugs on a national level and focuses on primary and secondary prevention. The Foundation has a vision to "create Australian culture that supports people so they can live healthy, safe and satisfying lives, unaffected by drug problems".^[1]

The ADF is made up of a number of directorates that each aim to prevent drug problems, as opposed to treating existing problem users. There is an information dissemination arm, the DrugInfo Clearinghouse;^[2] a research arm; a community support program, the Good Sports Program;^[3] and an alcohol advocacy group, the Community Alcohol Action Network ^[4]

History

The ADF was established in 1959 as the Alcoholism Foundation of Victoria. It was a response to the lack of services for alcohol-dependent people at the time, and provided counselling and information. In those days, the Foundation called for a "coordinated attack by the community, involving education, treatment and research".^[5]

Over the ensuing decades, the nature of drug use changed in Australia. The Victorian Foundation for Alcohol and Drug Dependence eventually led to the current name. Over time, treatment services became more widely available. The ADF moved away from this aspect of service delivery and began to develop primary and secondary prevention resources — a focus that remains to the present day.

Media Attention

The Australian Drug Foundation is considered to be a national leader in the alcohol and other drug field, and as such is often called upon by media outlets to comment on issues.

References