In 1978, Sister Pat Moriarty from the Little Company of Mary established the Drug Referral and Information Centre (DRIC) at the TAFE College in Reid. On her retirement the Little Company of Mary relinquished control and it became a community organisation. DRIC’s role was to provide information, referral and support for members of the community experiencing Alcohol and Other Drug problems.

The organisation expanded over the next few years, adding programs as the need arose. In 1988 the organisation became incorporated under the name Assisting Drug Dependents Incorporated (ADDInc) but retained the business name of DRIC. In 2001 the business name was changed to DIRECTIONS ACT and the organisation continues to trade under this registered business name.

DIRECTIONS ACT is a large community alcohol and drug organisation, governed by a Board. We are fully funded to provide drug and alcohol services in the ACT, by ACT Health and the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing.

We now employ over 60 full time, part time and casual employees, at 4 locations in Canberra. Most of our services are fully funded by ACT Health and we provide free services including counselling, providing injecting equipment, resources and promotional activities. There is a low cost for some other services such as Arcadia House Detoxification and Withdrawal Service.