The south-west farmer and former Port Fairy Football and Netball Club president is celebrating 37 months alcohol-free.

It's a feat that took him over 30 years and one he thought he would never achieve.

Mr Finnigan said drinking was a way for him to cope with personal issues.

"I started drinking at a young age and immediately knew I had a problem," Mr Finnigan said.

"I knew because when I started I didn't want to stop."

Mr Finnigan said he was caught drink driving about half a dozen times throughout his life.

"Surely that was telling me there's a huge bloody problem here with alcohol," he said.

Mr Finnigan first sought help when he was 24 but "couldn't quite accept that I had to stop drinking completely".

"It took me a while to grasp the problem," he said.

Now at 64, he knows he was an addict.

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"I'm aware of that now but I'm also aware that addiction is a disease and if you have a disease, you treat it," he said.

"Help and treatment is available and I think the more public awareness we can create, the easier it will be for people to realise they don't have to live their life that way and there is a better way to do it.

"There are plenty of people out there to support them if they're willing."

Mr Finnigan said community perception of mental health and addiction had shifted over the years.

"I think it's becoming more acceptable and understood but only of late," he said.

Mr Finnigan said seeking treatment saved his life.

"I've never felt free within myself in all my life but today I am and that is through the treatment programs I am undertaking," he said.

The farmer's brave confession comes as key Warrnambool agencies join together to remind the community that local treatment services are readily available.

Western Region Alcohol and Drug Centre (WRAD), South West Healthcare, Brophy Family and Youth Services and Warrnambool Police have joined forces to encourage those struggling with mental health or addiction to seek help.

Speaking to The Standard, the key agency bosses said they feared people avoided asking for help because of stigma.

WRAD operations manager Mark Powell said people with problems relating to their use of substances and mental health issues deserved a "fair go" and a hopeful and welcoming treatment response.

"Too often the person using substances is judged harshly rather than given a chance to be heard," Mr Powell said.

"Drugs are only a small part of the picture as these clients often have emotional, psychological, mental health and homelessness and employment issues.

"There are many reasons why people avoid seeking help and see themselves as unworthy of support. We need to tackle stigma and support people who are struggling in our community."

Mr Powell said treatment worked and there were pathways to recovery for people.

"But that can only happen when a person believes in themselves and that change is possible," he said.

"Negative portrayals of people who use substances do not help that process."

WRAD director Geoff Soma said a common misconception was that those addicted to alcohol and other drugs "should just stop".

"People often think of an addiction as a drug problem but we like to see it as a health problem." he said.

"Treatment is very difficult for individuals who are misusing drugs because they also have underlying issues that need to be addressed.

"People think it's just a matter of stopping the use of drugs but that's only part of it. Addressing underlying mental health issues, emotional problems, educational deficits and psychological issues is an important part in the recovery process to make sure they are as healthy as possible going forward."

South West Healthcare CEO Craig Fraser said it was important to send a positive message that help and support was available.

"South West Healthcare is committed to supporting the health needs of the people in the local community," Mr Fraser said.

"The last 12 months have been especially difficult for people who present with mental health, alcohol and drugs and psychological issues.

"South West Healthcare is part of the local service system dedicated to assisting those struggling and in need of treatment."

Brophy Family and Youth Services chief executive Francis Broekman said people dealing with alcohol and other drug and mental health issues benefited from professional expertise.

"A problem shared is a problem halved," he said.

"While you may feel it's very personal for yourself, many others face the same issues and professionals see these patterns and work through treatment in a way that's positive and will work."

Mr Broekman said it was normal for people to feel vulnerable at some point in their lives.

"It's important to know we can seek services without any sense of being stigmatised," he said.

Warrnambool police Senior Sergeant Shane Keogh said treatment programs worked and people should act before it's too late.

"If people drink, smoke cigarettes or use other drugs and need to give up, it helps if they get support," he said.

"If you want to give it up, the support is out there to help and it works."

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Senior Sergeant Keogh said there was nothing wrong with asking for help.

"From a policing perspective, we ask people to take the opportunity to get those supports," he said.

"If you're genuine about wanting help, don't wait for it to become a criminal matter."

WRAD provides youth and adult counselling, non-residential rehabilitation program Sliding doors, supported accommodation, mental health support, family service sand assertive youth outreach programs.

For more information, contact WRAD at 1300 009 723

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