Odyssey Victoria

20/07/2025

New research has revealed a substantial increase in GHB-related ambulance attendances across Australia, with Victoria recording the highest rate and Greater Geelong emerging as a regional hotspot.

Using data from the world-first National Ambulance Surveillance System (NASS), Monash University and Turning Point researchers found that GHB-related ambulance attendance rates increased substantially across multiple Australian jurisdictions.

Geelong accounted for 31 per cent of all GHB-related ambulance attendances outside metropolitan Melbourne and surpassed metropolitan LGAs such as Stonnington and Yarra, which contain high concentrations of nightclubs and bars, scenes traditionally associated with GHB use.

The new study also found that attendances in regional Victoria were 31 per cent more likely to present with more severe outcomes compared with attendances in metropolitan areas.

https://www.monash.edu/news/articles/hidden-pockets-of-ghb-harm-revealed-as-ambulance-attendances-surge-across-australia

A substantial national GHB-related ambulance attendance rise saw Victoria record the highest rate; Greater Geelong was a regional hotspot.

19/07/2025

Thought for a Sunday...

18/07/2025

As part of the NAIDOC week celebrations at our Lower Plenty Residential Rehab we had a number of activities last week. Our Arts Facilitator, Guy, decorated the hallway and dining area with gum leaves to bring a bit of the Birrarung (Yarra) River vibes into the house. Emily Lovette from Balitj Woka came and shared her skills and knowledge with the residents. Greg and Dan from Killara Foundation cooked up a feast and educated the community on traditional spices and where to find them. Staff and residents also attended the NAIDOC March, and the residents created a piece of artwork together.

17/07/2025

STAFF PROFILE

REMI, GRAPHIC DESIGNER, 8 YEARS AT ODYSSEY

Why I like working at Odyssey Victoria:
I love the flexibility of my role; it helps create a great work life balance for me.

A typical day:
I don't have very typical days; I could be working on any number of projects across Odyssey. It keeps things interesting.

16/07/2025

Our Hope Centre near Bairnsdale was the perfect setting last week for some NAIDOC Week reflections and celebrations.

15/07/2025

Last week our Footscray site participated in some NAIDOC Week activities.

14/07/2025

Around 41% of Australians report they’ve used cannabis at some point in their life.

Research estimates that 22% of recreational cannabis consumers meet criteria for a cannabis use disorder. This condition can make it difficult to control how often or how much cannabis they use.

A ‘cannabis use disorder’ can make it difficult to control how often or how much cannabis you use. Here are some of the symptoms.

11/07/2025

The family room at our Footscray site has been refurbished to make it an engaging and fun place for children to play while their parents engage with our services.

09/07/2025

Breaking the Castle is an autobiographical one man show written and performed by Peter Cook on his journey through addiction, rehabilitation and recovery. The play weaves past and present together giving a better understanding to how his traumatic past has led to his issues with drinking. Breaking the Castle breaks down the walls and stigma around addiction, rehab and recovery. This play has been shown at Edinburgh Fringe Festival and London during 2023 and around Australia since 2020. The show is being held at Theatre Works in St Kilda from 15-19 July. To purchase tickets: https://www.theatreworks.org.au/2025/breaking-the-castle

Breaking the Castle follows the story of David, a struggling actor whose life is a chaotic blend of substance abuse, Shakespearean soliloquies, failed auditions, and debilitating mental health. David takes himself to the brink, until an unlikely lifeline offers hope in the mountains of South-East As...

08/07/2025

For people recovering from substance use disorders, quitting smoking remains one of the most difficult—but most crucial—steps toward long-term health.

New research from Flinders University reveals that providing consistent support and access to a range of ni****ne replacement therapies (NRTs) can help people in recovery take that vital step.

https://news.flinders.edu.au/blog/2025/07/01/strategies-for-staying-smoke-free-after-rehab/

For people recovering from substance use disorders, quitting smoking remains one of the most difficult—but most crucial—steps toward long-term health. New research from Flinders University reveals […]

07/07/2025

Breaking the Castle is an autobiographical one man show written and performed by Peter Cook on his journey through addiction, rehabilitation and recovery. The play weaves past and present together giving a better understanding to how his traumatic past has led to his issues with drinking. Breaking the Castle breaks down the walls and stigma around addiction, rehab and recovery. This play has been shown at Edinburgh Fringe Festival and London during 2023 and around Australia since 2020. The show is being held at Frankston Arts Centre this coming weekend. To purchase tickets: https://artscentre.frankston.vic.gov.au/Whats-On/Season-Shows/Breaking-the-Castle

FRI 11 & SAT 12 JUL: After five-star seasons in Edinburgh and Off-West End in London, Breaking The Castle returns to Australia. A true story walking the tightrope between heartbreak and hilarity, Breaking the Castle is a dark comedy about falling apart and faking your way through recovery - until yo...