Alcohol and Other Drugs

Alcohol and Other Drugs

Addiction is when you have a strong physical or psychological need or urge to do something or use something. It is a dependence on a substance or activity even if you know that it causes you harm. 

Common addictions are; 

  • Smoking

  • Alcohol

  • Gambling

  • Drugs

  • Prescription medicines

Substance abuse involves using too much alcohol or other drugs, often leading to problems with health and everyday functioning.

Signs that your substance use is becoming a problem include:

  • Loss of control of alcohol or drug use

  • Harm from substance use, such as injuries, medical problems, damaged relationships or problems at work

You may develop tolerance and have cravings or withdrawal symptoms when stopping.

  • Tolerance is when the substance does not have much effect on you, or you need more of the substance to get the effect you want.

  • Withdrawal symptoms are feelings of physical illness when not using the substance. These symptoms are relieved by taking more of it.

*Sourced from health direct

Almost without exception, every extended family and substantial workplace has been affected negatively by AOD.1 in 10 workers say they have been affected by a co-worker’s use of alcohol. Alcohol and other drugs cost Australian workplaces an estimated $6 billion per year in lost productivity. Australian workers admitted to taking almost 11.5 million sick days as a result of their alcohol and/or drug use.

RESOURCES

The Department of Health VIC  – https://www.health.vic.gov.au/alcohol-and-drugs/alcohol-and-other-drug-treatment-services

NZ Health Information and Services – https://info.health.nz/services-support/alcohol-and-drug-services/

 

For further support and assistance, please call the Psychealth Helpline, details below.

Phone: 1800 497 197 (AUS)/ 0800 466 400 (NZ)

Email: info@psychealth.com.au

 

Additional Resources/ Helplines 

Australia

National Drug & Other Drug Hotline 

1800 250 015

Support you to navigating your way through the maze of support services for family and friends of people who use alcohol and other drugs. 

https://adf.org.au/

Thorne Harbour

1800 889 887

They envisions a future free from HIV, where everyone in sex, sexuality, and gender-diverse communities lives with dignity. Through community-driven health programs, we address unique needs, advocate against stigma, and provide support for challenges related to drugs and alcohol.

https://thorneharbour.org/

New Zealand

Alcohol Drug Helpline

0800 787 797

Helpline for those struggling with alcohol or drug concerns. 

https://alcoholdrughelp.org.nz/