09 Mar ADDICTION IN AUSTRALIA
Addiction in Australia is one of our country’s most significant issues. In recent years, Australia has experienced significant growth in addiction, where the number of sufferers is rivaling with drastically larger countries.
WHAT IS ADDICTION?
“Addiction involves craving for something intensely, loss of control over its use, and continuing involvement with it despite adverse consequences. Addiction changes the brain, first by subverting the way it registers pleasure and then by corrupting other normal drives such as learning and motivation.” (Harvard Health Article).
Reach Out Australia mentions that addiction is caused when an individual compulsively engages in activities such as drinking, drug taking and gambling. Often people who have addictions are unable to stop doing what they are addicted to without proper help and support.
WHY IS ADDICTION SUCH AN ISSUE IN AUSTRALIA?
Addiction is one of the most significant issues being faced within Australia. Millions of Australians and their families are currently dealing with issues associated with substance abuse, and majority of these individuals actually go untreated. Although there will always be challenges associated with recovery, there are a variety of rehabilitation options available to help Australians recover.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare suggests that the consumption of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs is a major cause of preventable diseases and illness in Australia.
ADDICTION STATISTICS IN AUSTRALIA
Alcohol
Alcohol is a major issue in Australia, with thousands of people dying every year from alcohol-related diseases every year (Addictions Centre Article). Due to the fact that alcohol is legal in Australia, often people misconceive how dangerous alcohol can actually be on their health. Ultimately, the effects of alcohol consumption can be just as significant as the consumption of illicit drugs.
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation suggests that every year in Australia:
- 4,186 people die from alcohol-related injuries, illness and accidents.
- 75,772 people are hospitalised due to alcohol.
- The cost to the community from alcohol-related harm is estimated to exceed $14 billion.
Drugs
Illicit use of drugs is a major cause of both death and disability and is also a detrimental risk factor for many diseases. Both illicit drugs and prescription drugs pose even further risks as they not only effect the user, but also their friends, family and community.
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation suggests that every year in Australia:
- 2,070 people die from drug-related deaths.
- More people die from drug overdoses, including from pharmaceuticals, than die on our roads.
- The cost to the community from illegal drug-related harm is estimated to exceed $8.2 billion.
HOW DO YOU CLASSIFY A BEHAVIOUR AS ‘ADDICTIVE’?
Often someone’s behavior is considered to be ‘addictive’ if it fits the following criteria:
- The person is engaging in an activity or behavior to a greater extent than others in the same context.
- The person is continuing the excessive behaviour or activity, although they may not be reaping the same rewards as when they originally started engaging in it.
- The behaviour or activity is causing impairment or distress to themselves or the people in their lives.
Addiction in Australia is a substantial issue, if want to find out more about how to better understand addiction, read more here.
RESOURCES
You can find out more about addiction in Australia here:
Addiction Center Article: https://www.addictioncenter.com/addiction/addiction-in-australia/
Alcohol and Drug Foundation Article: https://adf.org.au/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImeqkgZSR7wIVAw-RCh2O6gpZEAAYAiAAEgJ-UPD_BwE
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Article: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports-data/behaviours-risk-factors/illicit-use-of-drugs/overview
SBS Article: https://www.sbs.com.au/topics/voices/health/article/2020/11/25/what-addiction-and-why-it-so-hard-kick
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Article: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/alcohol/alcohol-tobacco-other-drugs-australia/contents/drug-types/cannabis
Harvard Health Publishing Article: https://www.health.harvard.edu/%E2%80%A6/how-addiction-hijacks-the-brain
Alcohol and Drug Foundation Article: https://adf.org.au/about/our-purpose-mission-focus/
Australian Bureau of Statistics Article: https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/by%20Subject/3303.0~2017~Main%20Features~Deaths%20due%20to%20harmful%20alcohol%20consumption%20in%20Australia~4
Australian Bureau of Statistics Article: https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/by%20Subject/3303.0~2016~Main%20Features~Drug%20Induced%20Deaths%20in%20Australia~6
If you or a family member are experiencing issues with addiction of any kind, please reach out. We would love to chat to you. We are here to support not judge.
By Phone 1300 766 925
Email info@whitehavenclinic.com.au
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