Talking Point: Alcohol and drug users are not the only sufferers

JEREMY ROCKLIFF: Misuse of alcohol and other drugs can hurt family and friends, who also need support

EFFECTS: Loved ones in pain too.

When we think about the misuse of alcohol and drugs, we usually think about the person taking the substance.

We don’t think about the impact on families and friends who may also need support, understanding and the realisation they are not alone and there is help available.

That’s why Family Drug Support Day is so important for those affected on a daily basis by their loved ones’ misuse of alcohol and drugs.

We know most people in Australia drink alcohol at some time in their lives and roughly one eighth of the population will admit to using an illicit drug in a year.

It is estimated at least 61,320 alcohol and other drug treatment sessions are provided annually across government and non-government settings in Tasmania.

An estimated 5759 to 6550 Tasmanians receive some form of alcohol or other drug treatment in any year.

While we know many who misuse alcohol and illicit substances do so without adverse impacts, the cost to the individual can be devastating. This includes the risk of injury and death, but also mental health problems, cancers, cardiovascular diseases and liver cirrhosis.

For some families the impacts of a loved one’s drinking and drug use can be devastating, regardless of background, economic, education or social circumstances.

Individuals who misuse alcohol and illicit drugs can experience stigma and discrimination when seeking help and accessing health services, and this stigma is also experienced by family members and loved ones.

It can be so pervasive many avoid seeking help for themselves or a loved one out of fear they will be judged, discriminated against or because they feel shame and embarrassment.

Many will describe the experience as one of the toughest emotional situations they have ever had to live with.

This happens too often, resulting in too many families destroyed.

Families and friends need support in dealing with conflict and the setting of boundaries and there are proven strategies to help cope.

There is a broader cost to society though impacts on our health system and hospitals, law enforcement, justice system, productivity, as well as domestic violence and child safety issues.

While the Tasmanian Government has made some significant investments in the sector in recent years, we know there is more to do.

That is why in coming months we will release the Reform Agenda for the Alcohol and Drug Sector in Tasmania. This aims to ensure Tasmanians affected by alcohol, tobacco and other drugs have access to timely, effective support and treatment based on evidence informed best practice and delivered by a skilled workforce.

The first National Family Drug Support Day was held on February 24, 2016 — the anniversary of the passing of Damien Trimingham from a drug-related overdose — and has become an annual event to highlight the need for families to not only be recognised and heard but to be supported and encouraged to seek help and speak about their concerns and their needs.

For support or information please call the Alcohol and Drug Service 24-hour confidential hotline on 1800 811 994.

Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff is Tasmanian Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing.