Reconnexion

Do you need help reducing or stopping your reliance on sleeping pills or anxiety medication? Or perhaps you aren't ready yet, but want to receive some brief interventions to increase your motivation to make changes? We offer free, confidential support to help you make changes safely. We focus on medications called benzodiazepines (like Valium, Xanax or Serepax). These medications are commonly prescribed for sleep, anxiety and depression but they carry serious risks. These medications can quickly lead to physical dependence, even when taken as prescribed. Using them incorrectly or for too long can cause severe health problems. If you're thinking about reducing your medication, it's important to get professional support to do this safely. Our free support program includes:

• tailored guidance on how to reduce your medication safely
• working with the clinician prescribing your medication (like your GP)
• brief, standard or complex counselling to address sleep problems, anxiety and mood changes (we will guide you with the right option for you and where you're at)
• an online self-guided program if you prefer to work at your own pace
• support groups where you can connect with others on a similar path
• phone support for you and your family, staffed by experienced volunteers
• clear and practical resources including guides and videos.

This free service is available to all Victorians – you don't need a mental health care plan to get started. Changing medication takes time. We're here to help with practical strategies that fit your needs. We also offer:

• psychology services at our East Malvern centre – support for children, teens and adults seeking support with anxiety, depression and other mental health needs (fees apply)
• health professional support – free support to help health professionals in Victoria to safely prescribe or deprescribe benzodiazepines and z-drugs.