If you’re relying on opioids more than you’d like, whether they were prescribed or not, or you’re concerned about someone close to you, support is available. Holyoake provides free, confidential counselling for opioid addiction across Perth and regional Western Australia. No referral. No judgement. Whenever you’re ready.
For: Adults
Available in: North East Metro Perth Metro Wheatbelt
At Holyoake, we believe there’s always a way forward. Our drug counselling for opioid addiction is built on the Holyoake Approach, a person-centred, evidence-based model that treats you as a whole person, not a diagnosis.
Opioids include prescription pain medicines such as codeine, oxycodone, tramadol and fentanyl, as well as heroin. For many people, dependence starts with a genuine medical need, such as an injury, surgery or ongoing pain. Over time, the body adjusts, and it can become hard to cut back without feeling unwell. For support with heroin specifically, visit our page on counselling for heroin addiction.
There’s no shame in any of this. Our counsellors will take the time to understand your situation, including your health, your pain, your relationships, your history and what you want for your future. We’re trained in trauma-informed care and harm minimisation, so you’ll be met with respect, never labels.
Opioid use often sits alongside chronic pain, low mood, anxiety or trauma. As one of the few WA organisations offering integrated alcohol, other drug (AOD) and mental health support under one roof, we can support all of it together (sometimes called dual diagnosis or comorbidity).
You don’t need a referral to get started, and there’s no lengthy waitlist process or paperwork hurdle to clear first.
We’ll begin with a conversation about your opioid use, your health and what you’d like to change. Your counsellor can work alongside your GP or pain specialist, and together you’ll build a plan that suits your goals and circumstances.
Support can start, pause and return at any time. You’re in control.
In this video, Michael shares his experience of coming to Holyoake for support and the difference it made in his life. His story is a reminder that asking for help can be the first step towards hope, confidence and positive change.
You don’t need to wait for things to get worse. If opioids are affecting your health, your mood, your work or your relationships, it’s a good time to reach out.
Some signs that professional support might help include:
Your safety matters. Please don’t stop prescribed opioids suddenly without talking to your doctor. If someone is unresponsive, breathing very slowly or not breathing, call 000 immediately. Naloxone can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose and is available free, without a prescription, from participating pharmacies.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2.2% of Australians used pain relievers or opioids for non-medical purposes in the past 12 months. That’s down from 2.7% in 2019, with falls in the non-medical use of codeine, oxycodone and tramadol. If opioids are a concern for you, you’re not alone, and seeking support is a sign of strength.
Your first appointment is a confidential conversation. You won’t be judged, whether your opioid use started with a prescription or not.
Your counsellor will ask about your opioid use, your pain and health, and what support would help. If pharmacotherapy or medical support could be useful, we’ll explain the options. You don’t need to bring anything, and you don’t need to have made any decisions beforehand.
We’ve been supporting Western Australians impacted by alcohol and other drugs since 1975. A few things that set us apart:
We also offer counselling for heroin addiction, AOD counselling, alcohol counselling, mental health services, young people’s programs and our parents program if you or someone you know needs support in other areas – Browse all services and programs here.
Holyoake has physical locations across Perth and regional WA:
Telehealth is available statewide, including for people in the Wheatbelt, Kimberley, Goldfields, Midwest, South West and Great Southern regions.
We are committed to culturally safe services. If you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, our services are designed to be respectful and responsive to your needs and background.
Call us on (08) 9416 4444 or contact us online.
If you need immediate support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467, available 24/7.
For further information on mental health in Australia, visit the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare or Beyond Blue.
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