Trigger Warning: This article discusses alcohol dependence, substance use, and barriers to treatment, which may be distressing for some readers.
If you or someone you know needs support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14, the National 24/7 Alcohol and Other Drugs Hotline on 1800 250 015, or 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
When we think of drug treatment, our minds often jump to illicit substances and the havoc they can wreak on individuals and communities.
However, it may come as a surprise to many that the leading cause for drug treatment in Australia isn’t a street drug but a substance that’s legal and widely consumed. This is according to new data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
The 2023–24 report reveals that alcohol was the principal drug of concern in 42 per cent of all treatment episodes, significantly ahead of amphetamines (26 per cent), cannabis (16 per cent), and heroin (4 per cent).
These figures come from over 219,000 episodes of treatment, showing a consistent trend in recent years: alcohol remains the top reason people seek help from drug and alcohol services.
The number of individuals accessing treatment slightly increased to 131,892 people, up from 131,500 in the previous year.
However, that’s still far below the estimated number of Australians who need help. Recent research suggests that between 207,000 and 500,000 people living with addiction don’t have access to treatment.
This alarming gap is drawing concern from health experts and advocacy groups, who say more action is urgently needed.
‘We know that many of the people in our communities who are seeking treatment for alcohol use are at the same time often aggressively targeted by alcohol companies through online ads on social media and other online platforms,’ said Dr Catherine Earl, Director of Policy and Research at the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE).
‘Alcohol companies are collecting more data on people than ever before, so when every phone is both a billboard and a bottle shop, it’s almost impossible for people to escape these ads when they are trying to cut back.’
Digital advertising isn’t the only concern. Access to timely support remains one of the biggest barriers for people seeking help.
The report showed a sobering truth that not many Australians know. Image source: Photo by Julia Nastogadka on Unsplash
‘While it’s encouraging to see more people getting help, it’s concerning that the increase isn’t larger,’ said Professor Dan Lubman, Executive Clinical Director of Turning Point and Director of the Monash Addiction Research Centre.
‘While we know about half a million Australians need support for alcohol or drug issues, fewer than 132,000 received it. This gap highlights a significant shortfall in our healthcare system.’
Professor Lubman also referenced the recent federal Parliamentary Inquiry into alcohol and drug harm, which called for deeper investigation.
‘These numbers aren’t just statistics,’ the professor said, ‘They represent real people—friends, family, coworkers and neighbours. It’s critical that all Australians can access the treatment and support they need to live healthy and meaningful lives.’
The report has renewed calls for government action, both federally and at the state level. Dr Earl emphasised that policy reform, particularly around digital advertising and liquor delivery, could reduce harm in communities.
‘There are common-sense measures that can make a real difference now, like changes to the Privacy Act, ensuring people’s data isn’t collected to market addictive products to those already struggling with alcohol,’ she said.
She also urged state governments to introduce a ban on late-night home alcohol delivery and a mandatory two-hour delay between placing and receiving orders.
‘We need the Federal and State Governments to implement the common-sense protections that will put the health and wellbeing of families and communities ahead of the interests of the alcohol industry.’
In conclusion, while alcohol remains a legal and socially accepted part of Australian life, its role as the leading cause of drug treatment cannot be ignored.
Awareness and education are vital in addressing this issue, as is providing support for those affected. If you’re concerned about your own drinking habits or those of a loved one, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Your health and well-being are too important to overlook.
We invite our readers to share their thoughts and experiences with alcohol use and treatment. Have you or someone you know faced challenges with alcohol? What steps did you take to address them? Your stories can provide comfort and guidance to others facing similar struggles. Join the conversation in the comments below.
The new data showing alcohol is the most common principal drug of concern is contained in the AIHW’s report: Alcohol and other drug treatment services in Australia: Early insights.
Also read: Drinking this much alcohol could harm your brain—here’s how much is too much
