$3 million for digital alcohol harm reduction program

The Liberal National Government will provide $3 million for a program that will help more than 20,000 Australians reduce their alcohol intake safely, conveniently and anonymously.

Hello Sunday Morning is an online community of people supporting each other to change their behaviour around alcohol and their Daybreak Program is a treatment and early invention mobile app that provides online support to individuals seeking assistance in reducing their alcohol consumption.

The mobile app offers assistance on two fronts:

    • access to a professional health coaching team that responds to requests for help.
    • peer support network groups that offer an anonymous and supportive community.

Over the next three years, the Daybreak Program will provide early intervention support for more than 20,000 Australians who need help to cut back their drinking, take a break or quit altogether.

The service helps Australians reduce risky drinking habits by simultaneously addressing the psychological and relationship issues that can sometimes drive drinking in the first place.

Around 25 per cent of Australians over 14 years of age regularly consume four or more standard drinks in a single sitting. In 2016, one in six Australians put themselves or others at risk of harm while under the influence of alcohol in the last 12 months.

Alcohol is the third highest risk factor for premature death and disease in Australia, and early intervention is critical. I am committed to reducing the impact of alcohol-related harm on Australians and their communities.

It is important to provide a range of support and treatment options for alcohol and drug misuse for all Australians – no matter where they live- and this app is about intervening early for those facing barriers to support.

This investment forms part of the Government’s broader investment of $713 million in the Drug and Alcohol Program, including around $561 million in drug and alcohol treatment.

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