Substance Addiction

Alcohol and drug addiction, also known as substance addiction or dependence, occurs when someone becomes both physically and mentally reliant on a substance. This reliance often leads to tolerance, where increasing amounts are needed for the same effect, and withdrawal symptoms when the substance is reduced or stopped. Alcohol and drug addiction also interferes with the brain’s reward system, driving cravings even when the substance use causes significant harm.

Common signs of alcohol, drug, or
substance addiction

Identifying alcohol and drug addiction can be challenging, but common signs include:

What you may not be aware of about
alcohol, drug, or substance addiction...

1

Around 2.8 million Australians
use cannabis

2

Approximately 113,000
people use cocaine
regularly in Australia

3

Around 77% of Australian
adults drink alcohol

4

One in three adults exceed the Australian Alcohol Guidelines, risking alcohol-related disease or injury.

What the research says
about alcohol and drug
addiction

Psychological and Social Impact of Addiction

Addiction to alcohol and drugs affects nearly every aspect of a person’s life—health, mental well-being, and relationships. Addressing alcohol drug addiction effectively requires personalised, multifaceted treatment plans.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a proven approach for managing alcohol drug addiction. It helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours, develop coping mechanisms, and reduce the risk of relapse.

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

MI focuses on enhancing an individual’s motivation to change harmful habits associated with addiction. It is particularly effective for young people and those with mild dependence.

Brief Interventions (BIs)

These short counselling sessions aim to reduce harmful substance use, particularly in individuals not yet experiencing severe dependence.

Contingency Management (CM)

CM uses tangible rewards to reinforce sobriety and adherence to treatment plans, showing strong results for opioid and polysubstance users.

Relapse Prevention (RP)

RP equips individuals with skills to manage cravings, handle high-risk situations, and maintain sobriety.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT helps individuals struggling with alcohol and drug addiction by focusing on psychological flexibility. Rather than trying to eliminate cravings or distressing thoughts, ACT encourages people to accept these experiences while committing to actions that align with their values. By using mindfulness strategies and behaviour change techniques, ACT supports long-term recovery and reduces the impact of urges and triggers.

Other Treatments for Alcohol Drug Addiction

Therapeutic communities, Twelve-Step Programs, and pharmacological treatments, such as acamprosate and naltrexone, complement psychosocial approaches to provide comprehensive support for recovery.

*Source: Evidence Based Psychosocial Interventions in Substance Use – National Library of Medicine

Tips for managing alcohol and drug addiction

Our psychologists are highly qualified, holding Master’s or Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology.
We provide treatment for alcohol and drug addiction using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based
treatments like Mindfulness and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).