Abstract
The response to drug and alcohol problems in a small Australian rural community is described. The town of Nimbin, the centre of this community, is characterized by alternative life-styles. The area has received considerable publicity over illicit drug use, particularly marijuana-growing and a recent increase in injecting drug usage. The town has one medical practice with two general practitioners and this centre has been actively involved in the development of drug and alcohol services. This paper describes the development of a drug and alcohol service from the perspective of a local general practitioner. Reference is made to problems of community resistance, hospital issues and the steps taken to acquire knowledge and skills in the management of patients presenting to the practice. The importance of a multidisciplinary team approach in the development of services which included a needle and syringe exchange and a methadone treatment programme is emphasized.