Criminal Law — Drug Offences
Drug & Alcohol Clinical Services — Charlestown
Free, public drug and alcohol counselling at 1A Dudley Road, Charlestown — run by the Hunter New England Local Health District. How to access the service, and how engaging with DACS can support your legal matter.
About the Charlestown DACS Campus
The Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services (DACS) clinic at 1A Dudley Road, Charlestown is a free, public outpatient service operated by the Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD). The Dudley Road campus also houses the Lake Macquarie Mental Health Service, providing integrated support for individuals experiencing both mental health and substance use challenges.
Clinicians at the Charlestown campus provide one-on-one counselling, clinical assessments, referrals for supervised withdrawal (detox) and rehabilitation programs, and support for family members and carers. The service is free — no Medicare card, GP referral or private health insurance is required.
Important: You cannot walk in to secure a counselling appointment. You must contact the central HNELHD DACS intake line first on 1300 660 059 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm). The intake team will assess your situation and book your appointment at the Dudley Road location.
If you are facing drug-related criminal charges, engaging with DACS early can significantly strengthen your legal position — supporting diversion applications, demonstrating rehabilitation to the court, and potentially reducing the severity of any sentence.
Location
1A Dudley Road, Charlestown NSW 2290
Hunter New England Local Health District
Intake Hours
Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Closed public holidays
After-Hours — ADIS Hotline
1800 250 015Available 24/7 across NSW — free, confidential counselling and referrals
Services Offered at Charlestown DACS
Free, public outpatient support — no referral required
One-on-One Drug & Alcohol Counselling
Free, confidential outpatient counselling for individuals experiencing moderate to severe substance use issues — including alcohol, illicit drugs and prescription medication misuse.
Assessments & Referrals
Clinical assessments and referrals for supervised withdrawal (detox) programs and residential rehabilitation services — matched to your individual circumstances and needs.
Care Coordination
Integrated support for individuals navigating both mental health and substance use challenges — coordinating care across the Hunter New England Local Health District services.
Family & Carer Support
Information, advice and support for family members and carers of people experiencing drug and alcohol issues — including guidance on how to help a loved one access treatment.
How to Access the Service
You cannot walk in — all appointments are booked through the central intake line first.
Call the Central Intake Line
You cannot walk in to secure a counselling appointment. Contact the HNELHD DACS central intake line first — they will assess your situation and book your appointment.
Initial Assessment
A clinician will conduct a brief telephone assessment to understand your current situation, substance use history and support needs.
Appointment Booked
Your appointment at the Dudley Road, Charlestown campus will be booked. The service is free — no Medicare card or referral is required.
Ongoing Support
Attend your counselling sessions at the Charlestown campus. Your clinician will work with you on a personalised treatment plan.
Need Help After Hours?
If you need to speak with a counsellor immediately or outside of regular business hours, contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) — available 24/7 across NSW.
1800 250 015Free & confidential — 24/7How DACS Can Help Your Legal Matter
Engaging with DACS early can significantly strengthen your position if you are facing drug-related criminal charges.
Drug Diversion Programs
NSW courts can divert eligible drug offenders into treatment rather than imposing criminal penalties. Participation in a DACS program can support a diversion application or demonstrate rehabilitation to the court.
Section 14 Mental Health Diversions
Where substance use is linked to a mental health condition, a Section 14 diversion under the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020 may be available — dismissing charges and referring the person to treatment.
Sentencing & Rehabilitation Evidence
Engaging with DACS counselling before sentencing demonstrates genuine steps toward rehabilitation — a significant mitigating factor that can reduce the severity of a sentence for drug-related offences.
Drug Court
The NSW Drug Court offers an intensive treatment program as an alternative to imprisonment for eligible offenders with serious drug dependencies. DACS assessments and referrals can support Drug Court applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the DACS service at Charlestown free?
Yes. The Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services (DACS) at the Dudley Road, Charlestown campus is a free, public outpatient service funded by the Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD). No Medicare card, GP referral or private health insurance is required.
Can I walk in to the Charlestown DACS clinic?
No. You cannot walk in to secure a counselling appointment at the Charlestown campus. You must contact the central HNELHD DACS intake line first on 1300 660 059 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm). The intake team will assess your situation and book your appointment at the Dudley Road location.
What if I need help outside of business hours?
If you need to speak with a counsellor immediately or outside of regular business hours, contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) on 1800 250 015. ADIS is available 24/7 across NSW and is staffed by professional counsellors who can provide immediate support, advice and referrals.
Can attending DACS help with my drug-related criminal charges?
Yes. Voluntarily engaging with drug and alcohol counselling before your court date demonstrates genuine steps toward rehabilitation — a significant mitigating factor in sentencing. It can also support applications for drug diversion programs, Section 14 mental health diversions, and the NSW Drug Court. We strongly recommend engaging with DACS as early as possible if you are facing drug-related charges.
What is the difference between DACS and the Lake Macquarie Mental Health Service?
Both services operate from the same Dudley Road, Charlestown campus under the Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD). The Lake Macquarie Mental Health Service provides mental health support, while DACS specifically addresses drug and alcohol issues. For individuals experiencing both mental health and substance use challenges, DACS provides integrated care coordination across both services.
Do I need a lawyer if I am facing drug charges?
Yes. Drug offences in NSW carry serious penalties including imprisonment, fines and criminal records. An experienced criminal lawyer can advise on your options — including diversion programs, Section 14 applications, Drug Court eligibility and sentencing strategies. Contact Lake Macquarie City Legal for a free first consultation.
Related Criminal Law Services
Facing drug-related charges? Get legal advice today.
Contact Lake Macquarie City Legal for a free, confidential consultation. We can advise on diversion programs, Drug Court eligibility and how engaging with DACS can support your case.