Features
Call for advisers
By LCDR Samantha Thompson, National Alchohol and Drug Program Coordinator

Volume 50, No.3, March 8, 2007
 
TESTING TIMES: An ADF urinalysis test. The Navy is encouraging interested personnel to become Alcohol and Drug Program Advisers. But first there are two training courses that must be competed.
Photo: LSPH Gavin Hainsworth
 
The Alcohol and Drug Program Adviser (ADPA) plays an integral role in the prevention of substance misuse through education and intervention.

The ADPA also assists the RAN Alcohol and Drug Program in ensuring that personnel are provided with appropriate support.

The ADPA role provides personnel with the ability to continue to develop both their leadership and communication skills as the ADPA duties include, but are not limited to:

- Preventative education through divisional meetings and when requested;

- Advice to Command and Divisional Staff and;

- Initial screening assessment on personnel referred and subsequently brief intervention.

The ADPA also provides supportive follow up to those members who return to duty following substance related issues.

Due to the sensitivity and importance of being an ADPA all personnel interested in becoming an ADPA must be a LS or above, must be a volunteer and must have a supporting recommendation from their Commanding Officer.

There are two courses that must be completed. The first is the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Course (ADAC), which is a two-day workshop. This is followed by a Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs Work through Chisolm TAFE. This course involves pre course reading and two weeks of training. Both courses are held at various locations around Australia.

For those personnel interested in becoming an ADPA or wanting further information about training courses please contact your regional coordinator as listed below.

Eastern Region: LEUT Dee Williams Telephone (02) 9359 3186, fax (02) 9359 3188, email: dee.williams@defence.gov.au

West Australian Region: WO Al Cooper, Telephone (08) 9553 3061, fax (08) 9553 5596, email: alain.cooper@defence.gov.au

Southern Region: LEUT Rod Gillies, telephone: (03) 5950 7432, fax: (03) 5950 6066, email: rod.gillies@defence.gov.au