In this article, we will explore the importance of alcohol awareness and intervention.
Just like tobacco and other drugs, alcohol leads to a vast range of preventable illness, diseases and death in Australia. A 2018 study by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare stated that “alcohol was the fifth highest risk factor contributing to the burden of disease in Australia.”
This week is Alcohol Awareness Week. Coincidentally, it also aligns with the Dry July campaign, supporting those affected by cancer. However, this week recognises the significant impact that alcohol consumption can have on individuals and their communities.
Alcohol awareness: the nature of drinking in Australia
Australians are renowned for their drinking culture. Numerous studies have aimed to identify how consumption affects the health, social and behavioural outcomes of Australians. Listed below are some recent key findings:
- 1,559 alcohol-induced deaths were reported in 2021
- Alcohol was the most common drug that clients sought treatment services for in 2021-22
- 3-in-5 drug-related hospitalisations in 2020-21 were attributed to alcohol use
- 1-in-4 Australian adults exceeded the alcohol guideline in 2020-21
Source: AIHW, 2023
Adverse health outcomes associated with excessive alcohol consumption
Alcohol consumption, especially in excess quantities, can lead to significant health issues. Some of the short-term effects that it can cause includes injury, violence and accidental death. In addition, some of the long-term risks associated with ongoing use includes cancer, brain damage, memory loss, sexual dysfunction and cirrhosis of the liver. Therefore, it’s especially important to manage your consumption of alcohol to reduce these risks.
Anglicare Southern Queensland’s alcohol awareness and intervention services
As a health and social community provider, we understand the importance of accessibility to intervention, prevention and counselling services to enhance the wellbeing of individuals and communities. At Anglicare, we provide alcohol and other drug (AOD) programs to clients needing support.
In our programs, clients learn techniques to cope with cravings and triggers. This can also help to prevent their risk of relapse. Additionally, our clients are given tools and strategies to minimise the risk of harm associated with AOD use.
AMEND – Assisting Mothers to End the Need for Drugs
AMEND is a voluntary, home-based relapse prevention and parenting enhancement program. It’s comprised of 18 counselling sessions for pregnant and parenting women. In this program we support women experiencing AOD related problems and co-existing mental health concerns.
Counselling is available (free of charge) to women and their families, residing from Burpengary to Waterford and from Wynnum West to Ferny Grove. Support is also available from Runaway Bay to Coolangatta.
Click here to learn more about our AMEND program.
Drug Diversion Programs
Anglicare Southern Queensland has two drug diversion programs. One is for clients who have been referred to us by the courts or police for minor drug-related offences. Whereas the other is for people who self-refer to this service. In these program, clients participate in a 2-hour assessment and education session. They’re supported to make informed decisions about their use of illicit drugs.
You can learn more about it here.
How our programs benefit clients
Our AOD programs provide numerous benefits to clients. In addition to helping clients reduce their risk of adverse health effects associated with alcohol, but they support improved mental wellbeing and life outcomes.
Some of the clients who’ve completed our programs have been successful in working towards managing, reducing and abstaining from substance use. Some have reported a sense of stability in their day-to-day lives and are now actively engaging in employment or educational opportunities. Clients have also reported improvements in personal relationships and feeling more connected to their communities.
Community benefits of alcohol intervention services
Our alcohol support programs have significant community benefits. By working with people experiencing concerns with alcohol (and/or other drugs) use, we can help to reduce associated risks within the community. Furthermore, clients who are actively engaged in counselling and support may be less likely to frequently present at hospitals and emergency departments. This alleviates economic and serviceability pressures on healthcare and justice systems.
We recommend that you watch the video, below, to learn more about alcohol awareness and intervention from our counsellors.
What to do if you or someone else needs help
In conclusion, if you think that you need help to manage your substance use, you can contact the Anglicare Southern Queensland intake line for an assessment on 1300 114 397.
Finally, learn more about our programs via the links below.