Why we need to starting talking about addiction

One in 20 Australian deaths last year was caused by alcohol and illicit drugs. Here’s a guide to approaching the topic of addiction with your loved ones.

Addiction is a complex disease

One in 20 Australian deaths last year was caused by alcohol and illicit drugs. Here’s a guide to approaching the topic of addiction with your loved ones.

Addiction is a complex disease, often chronic in nature, which can affect the functioning of the brain and body. Basically, it occurs when someone compulsively engages in a behaviour such as drinking or drug-taking and can’t stop even if they want to or when their behaviour causes negative side-effects.

It’s startlingly prevalent - in fact, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare recently reported one in 20 Australian deaths last year was caused by alcohol and illicit drugs.

Symptoms of addiction can often be undetected and be blamed on the general stresses of everyday life. For example, you might notice sudden changes in your loved one’s behaviour or mood, withdrawal from family or social events or things like carelessness in personal appearance or loss of interest in hobbies.

Substance abuse and addiction have no age limitations, and can affect people from all walks of life. That’s why it’s important to ensure each individual is treated with care and respectively provided with a tailored program that will optimise treatment suited to their needs.

For example, if you suspect your child is taking drugs, the Victorian government’s Better Health website suggests the best way to react is to research drugs so that you have the facts, give yourself time to think, and then raise your concerns calmly with your child when you both feel relaxed. It’s important not to give ultimatums and to resist the urge to snoop through their room or belongings as trust is critical.

Meanwhile, the Alcohol and Drug Foundation reports the amount of alcohol older Australians consume is increasing which is worrying as many don’t know the risks. For example, as bodies age they become less effective at metabolising alcohol, older adults are more likely to be taking medication that could negatively interact with alcohol, and older people are likely to suffer health conditions - like high blood pressure - that can be exacerbated by alcohol intake.

Addiction can be effectively prevented, treated and managed by healthcare professionals in combination with family or peer support. Albert Road Clinic, located in Melbourne’s CBD, is a private mental health hospital that provides addiction treatment options. It’s supported by staff that are committed to excellent inpatient, day patient, outpatient and community-based care.

The love and support from family and friends is a great way to direct a person with addiction down the road to recovery. At Albert Road Clinic, the Addictions Service provides a range of treatment options for patients with a dual diagnosis of mental illness complicated by ongoing substance misuse.  

The Service offers assessment, inpatient detoxification, a day addiction rehabilitation program and relapse prevention programs, and community-based care.

If you would like to see an accredited psychiatrist at Albert Road Clinic, you need to obtain a referral from your local GP. To view a complete list of psychiatrists at Albert Road Clinic, click here or contact EasyAccess on 03 9256 8322.  

If you or anyone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Albert Road Clinic is a private mental health hospital in Melbourne’s CBD, Specialising in inpatient, day patient outpatient and community-based mental health care. Learn more.

Originally published as Why we need to starting talking about addiction