Substance abuse | healthdirect

<!DOCTYPE html>  <html lang="en-AU"> <head> <title>Substance abuse | healthdirect</title> <script src="https://www.google.com/recaptcha/api.js?render=6LeuO7AbAAAAAFFZKM3tkkJpyASWHzTJ-_fpMK7y" async defer></script> <meta name="apple-itunes-app" content="app-id=1021494621"> <meta name="description" content="Substance abuse involves using too much alcohol or other drugs. 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It can result in changes and long-term damage to your brain and other organs.</li> <li>Many treatment options are available for substance abuse, ranging from counselling through to hospital treatment.</li> </ul> </div> <nav class="cont_nav-index-table__double-col"> <h2>On this page</h2> <ul> <li><a href="#what-is">What is substance abuse?</a></li> <li><a href="#common">What substances are commonly abused?</a></li> <li><a href="#signs">What are the signs of substance abuse?</a></li> <li><a href="#affect">How does substance abuse affect mental health?</a></li> <li><a href="#treated">How is substance abuse treated?</a></li> <li><a href="#help">Where to get help</a></li> <li><a href="#searchGeneralResults">Related information on Australian websites</a></li> </ul> </nav> <h2 id="what-is">What is substance abuse?</h2> <p>Substance abuse involves overuse (often to dangerous levels) of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs. Substance abuse can also be called substance use disorder.</p> <p>Substance use disorders are when use of a substance:</p> <ul> <li>is heavy</li> <li>is prolonged</li> <li>creates personal or social problems</li> </ul> <p>Around 1 in 20 Australians has an addiction or substance abuse problem. It can result in changes and long-term damage to your brain and other organs.</p> <h2 id="common">What substances are commonly abused?</h2> <p>Commonly abused substances in Australia are tobacco and alcohol.</p> <ul> <li>Smoking is the main cause of preventable death and disease in Australia.</li> <li>About 1 in 4 Australians drinks alcohol at risky levels.</li> </ul> <p>Alcohol can lead to:</p> <ul> <li>short-term risk of accidents</li> <li>injuries</li> <li>violent behaviour</li> </ul> <p>It can also cause long-term medical complications such as <a href="/liver-conditions-and-diseases">liver disease</a> and mental health disorders.</p> <p>Drug use disorders can include:</p> <ul> <li>the misuse of illegal drugs (such as cannabis and amphetamines)</li> <li>the use of <a href="/medicines-and-addiction">medicines</a>, like painkillers or sedatives, for non-medical reasons</li> </ul> <p>The most used illicit drugs in Australia are:</p> <ul> <li>cannabis</li> <li>cocaine</li> <li>ecstasy</li> </ul> <p>This page focuses on alcohol and illicit drugs.</p> <h2 id="signs">What are the signs of substance abuse?</h2> <p>Signs that your substance use is becoming a problem include:</p> <ul> <li>loss of control of alcohol or drug use</li> <li>harm from substance use, such as injuries, medical problems, damaged relationships or problems at work</li> </ul> <p>People who abuse substances may become addicted to and dependent on those substances.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Addiction</strong> is a mental and physical <strong>dependence</strong>, where you are unable to control or stop using the substance, even when it’s causing you harm.</li> </ul> <p>You may develop tolerance and have cravings or withdrawal symptoms when stopping.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Tolerance</strong> is when the substance does not have much effect on you, or you need more of the substance to get the effect you want.</li> <li><strong>Withdrawal symptoms</strong> are feelings of physical illness when not using the substance. These symptoms are relieved by taking more of it.</li> </ul> <h3>What to look for if you suspect substance abuse</h3> <p>Signs that you or someone you know might be abusing a substance include the following.</p> <ul> <li>Regularly using more of a substance than intended.</li> <li>Regularly trying to cut down or stop using, but never succeeding.</li> <li>Spending too much time getting, using or recovering from the substance.</li> <li>Cravings, or a strong desire to use the substance.</li> <li>Using substances again and again, even when you're aware of the potential damage or danger.</li> </ul> <p>You should also look out for signs of the impact on your life.</p> <ul> <li>Often failing to meet responsibilities at work, home or school because of substance use.</li> <li>Continuing to use a substance when it has caused relationship problems.</li> <li>Giving up social, work or leisure activities because of substance use.</li> <li>Dangerous or risky behaviour, such as criminal behaviour, drink driving or having unprotected sex.</li> <li>Continuing to use, even when you know you have a physical or psychological problem that could have been caused or made worse by the substance.</li> </ul> <h2 id="affect">How does substance abuse affect mental health?</h2> <p>People with a <a href="/mental-illness">mental illness</a> experience drug problems at a higher rate than the general community.</p> <p>Having a mental illness can make you more likely to abuse drugs to lessen your symptoms and make you feel better in the short term.</p> <p>In other people, drug problems may trigger the first symptoms of mental illness. Drug use is also a risk factor for <a href="/warning-signs-of-suicide">suicidal behaviour</a>.</p> <h2 id="treated">How is substance abuse treated?</h2> <p>Many treatment options are available for addictions and substance abuse. These range from counselling through to hospital treatment.</p> <p>Treatment depends on which substance is involved and how dependent you are on the substance. It may also depend on your level of risk and how much support you have at home.</p> <p>Treatment options include:</p> <ul> <li>lifestyle changes</li> <li>individual or group counselling</li> <li>peer support</li> <li>rehabilitation (rehab) programs</li> <li>residential or hospital treatment</li> <li>social support</li> </ul> <p>Withdrawal or detoxification (detox) means stopping or reducing your intake of the substance. You may need medical treatment as well as counselling, support and rehab to help you during or after withdrawal. Sometimes medicines are given to reduce cravings.</p> <p>For people who have a substance use disorder and a mental illness, treatment needs to address both conditions at the same time.</p> <h2 id="help">Where to get help</h2> <p>If you’re concerned that you or someone you care about may have a problem with substance use, see your doctor. You could also try healthdirect's <a href="/symptom-checker"><strong>Symptom Checker</strong></a> and get advice on when to seek professional help.</p> <p>Programs such as <a target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab" href="https://aa.org.au/">Alcoholics Anonymous</a> (AA) 1300 222 222 and <a target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab" href="https://www.na.org.au/multi/">Narcotics Anonymous</a> (NA) 1300 652 820 are available in many locations throughout Australian cities and regional areas. They provide support for people with alcohol and drug problems who want to stop drinking or using drugs.</p> <p>Specialised information for young people and their parents is available at <a target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab" href="https://au.reachout.com/">ReachOut.com</a> and <a target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab" href="https://headspace.org.au/">headspace</a>.</p> <p>Free online counselling for people who are concerned about their drug or alcohol use is available at <a target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab" href="https://www.counsellingonline.org.au/">Counselling Online</a>.</p> <p>If you or someone you know is having a personal crisis, call <a target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab" href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/">Lifeline</a> on 13 11 14 or chat online.</p></div> <footer class="main_content-article-text-footer"> <div> <h4>Source<span>s</span>:</h4> <span> <a href="https://adf.org.au/" target="_blank" title="Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF)">Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF)</a> <em>(Understanding drug and alcohol addiction (dependence))<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.health.gov.au" target="_blank" title="Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care">Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care</a> <em>(Why quit smoking?)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/" target="_blank" title="Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care">Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care</a> <em>(What quitting feels like)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au" target="_blank" title="Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)">Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)</a> <em>(Illicit use of drugs)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://adf.org.au/" target="_blank" title="Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF)">Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF)</a> <em>(Alcohol and other drugs and mental health)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/" target="_blank" title="Lifeline Australia">Lifeline Australia</a> <em>(Substance misuse – alcohol and other drugs)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://adf.org.au" target="_blank" title="Alcohol and Drug Foundation">Alcohol and Drug Foundation</a> <em>(Seeking help)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://headspace.org.au/" target="_blank" title="headspace">headspace</a> <em>(Substance use assessment and treatment)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/" target="_blank" title="Department of Health">Department of Health</a> <em>(National Alcohol Strategy 2019-2028)<span></span></em> </span> </div> </footer> <p>Learn more here about the <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/about-our-content">development and quality assurance of healthdirect content</a>.</p> <p>Last reviewed: March 2023</p> <div class="main_content-back-to-top"><a href="#backToTop"><i class="dor-icon_caret-up"></i><br><span class="tablet-up__inline">Back To 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Better Health Channel</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>It is dangerous to take kava in combination with alcohol or other psychoactive drugs.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Better Health Channel website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Better Health Channel" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/bhc-rectangle-image-e99950.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/hallucinogens" data-partner-url="partners/better-health-channel" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|b8280382-a7b8-48b5-8e03-2471d5ae5add"> <h3>Psychedelics - Better Health Channel</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Psychedelics also known as Hallucinogens target specific centres of the brain to alter its understanding of sensory input.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Better Health Channel website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Better Health Channel" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/bhc-rectangle-image-e99950.png"> </a> <section class="main_content-search-show-more "> <button class="main_content-search-show-more-btn" title="Show more search results" rel="nofollow">Show more</button> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-show-more-loading"></i> </section> </section> <section id="searchProfessionalResults" class="hidden" data-total-records="14"> <p>Top results</p> <a href="https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/racgp/listen-assess-encourage-support-managing-requests" data-partner-url="partners/racgp-the-royal-australian-college-of-general-practitioners" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|1eb67d37-3ce6-4bfc-a545-abdfeb4f10fe"> <h3>RACGP - Listen, assess, encourage, support: Requests for drugs of dependence</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Reproduced with permission from The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on RACGP - The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="RACGP - The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/racgp_master_rgb-f5ccb3.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.orygen.org.au/Training/Resources/Clinical-complexity" data-partner-url="partners/orygen" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|7cd8fbb9-5a3a-4c0b-8ebd-3d6aecf3802a"> <h3>Clinical complexity - Orygen, Revolution in Mind</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Our Skills & Knowledge Division concentrates on growing the capacity of Australia’s youth mental health workforce with an emphasis on accessible expertise and innovation.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Orygen website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Orygen" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/orygennew_logo-3964f3.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.ausmed.com/learn/articles/harm-reduction" data-partner-url="partners/ausmed-education" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|fb57a84d-89f6-4aa4-ab17-3650fe508e79"> <h3>Harm Reduction for Alcohol and Drug Consumption | Ausmed</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Harm reduction aims to decrease the risk of negative effects associated with ongoing alcohol and drug use in those who are unable or unwilling to stop. The aim of harm reduction is to prevent harm to both the individual and the greater community as much as possible.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Ausmed Education website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Ausmed Education" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ausmed-new-logo-872e67.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.ausmed.com/learn/articles/drug-and-alcohol-withdrawal" data-partner-url="partners/ausmed-education" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|b4ad88a4-0d65-48cf-b9e6-7bd47beafcaa"> <h3>Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal | Ausmed</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Withdrawal is the process of cutting out or cutting back on alcohol or drugs after a period of prolonged or excessive use. This can lead to a variety of symptoms. 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This is a serious medical issue that can have permanent consequences, such as brain damage and an increased risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Ausmed Education website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Ausmed Education" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ausmed-new-logo-872e67.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.ausmed.com/learn/articles/fasd" data-partner-url="partners/ausmed-education" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|b20139db-027d-4f42-bf1a-492c37bed9e5"> <h3>Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) | Ausmed</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>The term fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) describes a range of adverse effects that may occur following alcohol exposure during the prenatal period. These effects include physical, mental, behavioural and learning disabilities, and may have lifelong implications. While the prevalence of FASD in Australia is difficult to determine, it is estimated that up to 2% of babies may be born with a type of FASD.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Ausmed Education website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Ausmed Education" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ausmed-new-logo-872e67.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines/key-racgp-guidelines/view-all-racgp-guidelines/abuse-and-violence/trauma-and-violence-informed-care/clinician-support-and-self-care" data-partner-url="partners/racgp-the-royal-australian-college-of-general-practitioners" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|bca7deed-45d8-44ea-8d31-4106eccd9cb0"> <h3>RACGP - Keeping the health professional safe and healthy: Clinician support and self-care</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Reproduced with permission from The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on RACGP - The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="RACGP - The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/racgp_master_rgb-f5ccb3.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.ausmed.com/learn/articles/acute-behavioural-disturbance" data-partner-url="partners/ausmed-education" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|1314645c-7a41-44fa-a32c-71d7a270d00b"> <h3>Management of Acute Behavioural Disturbance | Ausmed</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Acute behavioural disturbance (ABD) is behaviour that has the potential to cause serious harm, major injury or death to the affected person or others. It includes behaviours such as making threats, aggression, extreme distress and self-harm. When encountering ABD, ensuring the safety of all people present is your immediate priority.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Ausmed Education website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Ausmed Education" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ausmed-new-logo-872e67.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.ausmed.com/learn/articles/wernicke-korsakoff-syndrome" data-partner-url="partners/ausmed-education" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|374bff64-10b1-4192-b437-43b9c4ac5583"> <h3>Wernicke–Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS) | Ausmed</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) - the composite term for the dual presence of Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) and alcoholic Korsakoff syndrome - is a form of alcohol-related brain injury associated with long-term alcoholic behaviour.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Ausmed Education website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Ausmed Education" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ausmed-new-logo-872e67.png"> </a> <section class="main_content-search-show-more "> <button class="main_content-search-show-more-btn" title="Show more search results" rel="nofollow">Show more</button> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-show-more-loading"></i> </section> </section> </div> </div> </div> <div class="partner-popup-content hidden"> <header class="dor-modal_body-header"><h2>Disclaimer</h2></header> <div class="dor-modal_body-main veyron-global-popup-body-main"> <div class="dor-modal_body-main-content"> <p>Healthdirect Australia is not responsible for the content and advertising on the external website you are now entering.</p> </div> </div> <footer class="dor-modal_body-footer"> <a target="_blank" class="main-action main-action__link" role="button"><button class="dor-modal_body-footer-action">OK</button></a> </footer> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> HDW.partnerResults = JSON.parse('{\"localContentConfig\":{\"PBB\":{\"logo\":\"PBB_logo.png\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au\/\",\"name\":\"Pregnancy, Birth & Baby\"},\"MHC\":{\"logo\":\"MHC_logo.png\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.mindhealthconnect.org.au\/\",\"name\":\"mindhealthconnect\"},\"HIN\":{\"logo\":\"healthdirect_logo.png\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.healthdirect.gov.au\/\",\"name\":\"healthdirect\"},\"HCW\":{\"logo\":\"healthdirect_logo.png\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/about.healthdirect.gov.au\/\",\"name\":\"healthdirect\"}}}') initArticleSearchResults(JSON.parse('{\"general\":\"\/api\/search\/content\/general?wt=json&f.partner.facet.limit=-1&f.partner.facet.sort=count&rows=10&start=0&channel=HIN&q=%22substance%20abuse%22%20AND%20drugs&fq=document_channel%3A(%22HIN%22%20OR%20%22PBB%22%20OR%20%22MHC%22%20OR%20%22HCW%22)&fq=!canonical_channel%3A%22HIN%22&fq=(canonical_channel%3A%5B*%20TO%20*%5D%20OR%20content_type%3A%22hdaptn%3ApartnerContent%22)&fq=audience_en%3A(%22Consumers%22%20OR%20%22Carers%22)\",\"professional\":\"\/api\/search\/content\/keyword?wt=json&f.partner.facet.limit=-1&f.partner.facet.sort=count&rows=10&start=0&channel=HIN&q=%22substance%20abuse%22%20AND%20drugs&fq=!partner%3A%22healthdirect%22&fq=audience_en%3A%22Health%20Professionals%22\"}')); 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