The Gold Coast Drug Council has been quality accredited by the Institute of Healthy Communities Association since 2001. In recent years we have developed a specialist clinical team to manage and treat clients with both addictions and mental health disorders (referred to as “dual diagnosis”). We continue to review and develop our services to meet new needs. The Gold Coast Drug Council also provides a 24 hour telephone information and referral service for persons wanting assistance to address drug-related problems. We handle thousands of telephone calls and enquiries each year. We are proud to work in partnership with many local, state and federal organisations and agencies. Locally, we are active members of the Youth at Risk Alliance, District Health Council and Regional Ministerial Community Forum. We also work closely with the local Universities; other community organisations and government agencies to support and improve services for people on the Gold Coast.
My story starts as a child with undiagnosed mental health issues. I always felt out of place in my family and at school I never really had any friends. I always had poor self worth. As a teenager I discovered alcohol and found that it made me feel a part of, I was able to socialize with others without fear of rejection, but before long I was unable to be part of life without the use of alcohol. In my early twenties I began using other types of drugs. It was never a social event for me, it was always a way for me to change the way I felt about myself and to mask the depression and loneliness I felt. By my mid twenties I had spent some time in dangerous situations and abusive relationships, I never thought I deserved anything better in my life. My life went down hill quickly I lost jobs and my family didn’t want anything to do with me. I lied and stole from all the people who loved me. I became a parent and knew my life needed to change, after countless attempts on my own I ended up in the hospital for the second time in a few months from an overdose. I was directed toward Mirikai and have not looked back. I was treated for my mental health issues and my social anxiety and I have begun to learn to like myself and understand that I am worth more than I thought. Mirikai, through constant care and compassion has helped me rebuild my life and I am now in the half way system on the road to recovery. With the support and counseling and medical services that have been offered to me I am now a responsible parent and a functioning member of society.
