01/06/26 - Award nominations for drug information chatbot
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation is celebrating its information chatbot, dib, which has been shortlisted in the Community Impact category for the Australian Financial Review’s AI Awards.
Since launching just one year ago, dib has had more than 45,000 free, anonymous and non-judgmental conversations about alcohol other drugs, helping thousands of people to quickly access reliable and trustworthy information, including harm reduction tips and where to find help and support.
“Powered by AI, dib is a technological first in the Australian public health sector. Using dib is an anonymous, non-stigmatising way to find alcohol and other drug information in a familiar, chat-based format,” said the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s CEO, Dr Erin Lalor AM.
“Importantly, dib only sources answers from the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s evidence-based website content, so the information people are getting is always reliable.”
“The system has guardrails to make sure responses are always safe and appropriate, emergency services information is given when needed, and there’s an expert team constantly monitoring, updating and improving dib – providing the safest, most accurate experience for people,” Dr Lalor explained.
dib was created to reduce key challenges people face when trying to access alcohol and other drug information including stigma, low trust, feeling overwhelmed by the volume of information available, and low health literacy.
“People aged between 18-24 age are using dib the most, accounting for more than half of conversations,” Dr Lalor explained.
“Every month, dib is asked about alcohol around two to three times more than cannabis, which is the second most common substance. When it comes to people asking about getting help or treatment, alcohol is the standout drug, with many asking how they can reduce their drinking or get support,” Dr Lalor added.
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation is thrilled that dib has been shortlisted for The Australian Financial Review's AI Awards. Winners will be announced on Tuesday 2nd June.
dib was also a finalist for the Best use of AI for Community Impact Award, at the recent 2026 Australian Not-for-profit Technology Awards, hosted by InfoExchange.
"This recognition reinforces the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s passion and commitment to increase knowledge around alcohol and other drugs and their associated harms, and to help inspire positive, healthy communities,” Dr Lalor said.
For more information about dib, please click here.
If you are concerned about your own, or a friend or relative’s alcohol or other drug use, there is lots of information, help and support available. For support or advice, visit www.adf.org.au or call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
ENDS
For interviews and media enquiries, please call the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s media team on 0430 948 380 or email [email protected]