Did you know that 6,000 Australians die each year due to alcohol abuse?

Substance addiction is a silent killer in the country and it’s high time that Australians be fully aware of it. To date, there are even 283,000 Australians that are addicted to opioids. Something must be done.

In order to directly address the crisis though, it is important to get hold of the correct information. There are high rates of substance abuse in the country because much still needs to be understood about substance abuse. This post will help you to understand more about it. This post will discuss matters that all Australians must know about substance addiction. If you want to know more about substance abuse, check out this article about substance addiction.

8 Things You Need to Know About Substance Addiction

1. What is substance addiction or substance use disorder?

Substance abuse is a medical condition where a person’s use of drugs becomes a source of significant problems or distress. Someone suffering from substance addiction or abuse can end up missing school or work or be in dangerous or risky situations. Substance abuse can result in legal problems. Continuous suffering from substance abuse can lead to damage to friendships and family relationships.

Substance addiction or abuse is a recognized brain disorder. People suffering from this mental disorder commonly get addicted to illegal substances like heroin, marijuana, methamphetamine, or cocaine. 

2. What is substance dependence?

Substance dependence is a medical condition where a person abuses the use of alcohol or drugs which results in significant issues. A person can be suffering from substance dependence if he or she shows the following signs:

  • Withdrawal symptoms – the experience of mild to damaging physical reactions when a sudden decrease or stop of usage is undertaken
  • Tolerance or consistent need for increased amounts of drug consumption to achieve an effect
  • Sudden withdrawal from recreational and social activities
  • Long periods of time dedicated to getting drugs, using drugs, and recovering from the effects of drug use
  • Continued drug use despite knowledge of harsh psychological, physical, and social effects

3. What are the substances that people abuse the most?

The following are the most commonly abused substances in the country:

  • Marijuana – marijuana can be used for medical purposes. But going overboard in such use can lead to substance dependence
  • Alcohol – tempered intake during social gatherings is okay. However, daily consumption can cause massive health damage.
  • Methamphetamine – commonly used by the youth
  • Prescription medicines – can lead to abuse when a person goes overboard in consumption
  • Stimulants – create an effect that can trigger addictive behaviours
  • Anxiety pills – the feeling of ease gained through regular medicine intake can lead to substance abuse
  • Pain pills – active medication for pain relief on a daily basis can lead to substance dependence
  • Opiates – a person can end up craving for the effect that consumption of this drug can create
  • Cocaine – a drug that is most commonly abused by the youth
  • Hallucinogens – create mental scenarios and feelings that are far from reality
  • Inhalants – regular dependence for ease can lead to substance abuse

4. What are the causes of drug abuse?

Experts agree that the following are the main causes and main factors that trigger substance dependence:

  • Societal factors
  • Cultural factors
  • Public laws
  • National policies on substances
  • Genetic vulnerability
  • Social pressures
  • Environmental stressors
  • Psychiatric issues
  • Individual personality characteristics

5. What are the symptoms of drug dependence?

A person may be suffering from substance dependent if he or she shows the following signs:

  • Unsuccessful attempts in cutting alcohol or drug use
  • Consistent consumption of larger amounts of alcohol or drug through time
  • Strong need to use alcohol or drugs
  • Active craving for drug use
  • Participating in risky behaviours
  • Suffering from withdrawal symptoms
  • Giving up on participating in regular activities

6. How do people suffering from substance abuse get helped?

Help can begin through a professional diagnosis. Diagnosis will vary depending on the substance abused, length of time of usage, and frequency of use. The following factors will also be evaluated:

  • Constant fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Little to no concern for hygiene
  • Lab abnormalities
  • Red eyes
  • Sleep problems
  • Depression
  • Anxiety

7. How is drug abuse treated?

Treating drug abuse or dependence is possible. Treatments vary depending on the kind of substance that was abused. Treatment can be undergone through the following:

  • Inpatient treatment
  • Outpatient treatment
  • Detoxification
  • Long-term follow-up management
  • Recovery-oriented systems of care 
  • Formalized group meetings 
  • Continued medical supervision
  • Psychological support systems
  • Individual psychotherapy
  • Family psychotherapy
  • Rehabilitation programmes (local or abroad)

8. Where to get help?

The good thing about people suffering from drug use is the fact they can reach out for help at any time. Multiple private and public organizations are willing to help. If you want to reach out and ask for help, do check out the following:

  • Reach Out (au.reachout.com)  – information about drugs, asking for help, and many youth-related issues are tackled here.
  • Kids Helpline ( kidshelpline.com.au ) – open 24/7 to help kids with questions and concerns regarding substance abuse. May be contacted at 1800 55 1800
  • National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline – for confidential advice at no cost at 1800 250 015