Ngarrang Guliwil is about understanding alcohol, recognising how it might be affecting you or the people around you, and knowing when it could be time to reach out for support.
There is no shame and no judgement. The more we understand, the more informed our choices can be.
Every step towards understanding is a step towards stronger people, stronger families and a stronger Community.
Scroll through the page to learn more, or use the quick links to jump to the information you need.
Why we created these videos
Ngarrang Guliwil has been created to help Mob better understand alcohol, how it can affect different parts of life, and when it might be time to check in or reach out for support.
Through these videos, we hope to help people:
- recognise what harmful alcohol use might look like
- understand the possible impacts of alcohol-related behaviours
- think about the choices they are making before they make them
- recognise when it might be time to seek support
- know where to go for help
There is no judgement here. This information is about building understanding, supporting informed choices and helping people look after themselves, their families and Community.
Video 1
Understanding the impact
Alcohol can affect more than you might realise
Alcohol can have an effect on many different parts of your life — not just your physical health.
Read more ...
Alcohol can affect your:
- Physical health
- Mental health
- Emotions
- Relationships
- Work
- Education
- Finances
- Confidence
- Connection to Community & Culture
- Safety
- Spirit
- Self-esteem
- Sleep
- Routines
- Self-care
- Sense of self
You don't have to drink every day for alcohol to become a problem for you.
What matters is the impact it is having on you, the people around you and the things that are important in your life.
Video 2
Check in with yourself
Is alcohol having a bigger impact than you think?
Sometimes changes in our drinking or behaviour can be a sign that it is worth checking in with ourselves.
Read more ...
You might notice that you are:
- drinking more than usual
- thinking about alcohol more often
- having cravings to drink
- missing work, school or other commitments
- making risky or dangerous choices
- feeling disconnected from Community
- experiencing feelings of shame or guilt
- becoming isolated from family or friends
- finding it harder to maintain relationships
- experiencing legal or parenting issues
- needing more alcohol to feel the same effects
- feeling tired more often or enjoying things less
- fighting or arguing more often
Your family or friends might also have started to express concern about you.
This might be your sign to check in with yourself.
Noticing one or more of these things doesn't define who you are. It can simply be an opportunity to think about what is happening and whether something needs to change.
Video 3
Looking after yourself and others
Small changes can make a difference
Looking after yourself doesn't always mean making one big change. Sometimes, starting small can help.
Read more ...
You could try:
- having alcohol-free days
- thinking about WHY you are drinking
- making a plan for when you are going to drink
- ... and sticking to it.
- eating before you drink
- drinking plenty of water
- spending time with people who support your goals
- staying connected to Community & Culture
- finding other ways to manage stress or difficult feelings
- asking for support when you need it - the earlier, the better
There is never any shame in seeking support.
You don't need to wait until things feel overwhelming before talking to someone.
Who can I call for support?
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, always call 000.
Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or other drug use and would like support, contact Goolum Goolum to yarn about how we can help.
DirectLine
Confidential alcohol and drug counselling, information and referral support.
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline
Free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drugs.
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Family Drug Support
Support for families and friends affected by someone's alcohol or drug use.
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
In an emergency
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, always call
000.
