The latest insights from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) reveal a troubling reality: alcohol remains the leading cause of drug treatment in Australia. For 2023-24, two in five treatment episodes (42%) listed alcohol as the principal drug of concern, far eclipsing amphetamines (26%), cannabis (16%), and heroin (4%). These findings underscore the pressing need to confront the alcohol treatment crisis in Australia head-on.

New Data Highlights the Alcohol Treatment Crisis

The AIHW report, Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Services in Australia: Early Insights, exposes a significant gap between the overwhelming demand for alcohol treatment and the availability of adequate support. Despite 131,892 Australians accessing treatment over the year (a slight increase from 131,500 the previous year), countless others continue to face barriers in receiving the help they need. Recent studies estimate between 207,000 and 500,000 Australians battling addiction cannot access treatment, further emphasising the crisis.

Professor Dan Lubman, Executive Clinical Director of Turning Point, commented, “It’s encouraging to see that more people are seeking help, but the sheer numbers highlight a stark reality. The healthcare system is not meeting the demand. Out of half a million Australians who need support, fewer than 132,000 were able to access it.”

The Impact of Stigma and Advertising

Experts highlight stigma as a major barrier to recovery for those struggling with alcohol addiction. Stigma not only discourages individuals from seeking treatment but can also create a cycle of shame and isolation, making it even harder for them to ask for help. Professor Lubman also pointed out the lack of robust health promotion initiatives to combat this stigma as a shortfall that demands attention.

On top of this, predatory advertising by alcohol companies compounds the problem. Dr Catherine Earl, Director of Policy and Research at the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE), explained, “People seeking treatment for alcohol use are not only grappling with addiction, but they are also relentlessly targeted by alcohol companies. Every device, from a smartphone to a tablet, becomes a billboard for alcohol ads. This flood of online marketing makes it nearly impossible for those trying to cut back to escape these triggers.”

Common Sense Policy Reforms Can Help

Dr. Earl and other public health leaders are, therefore, urging government authorities to take bold and urgent steps to address this growing crisis. One proposed measure, for instance, involves reforming the Privacy Act to restrict alcohol companies from collecting user data for targeted advertising. By implementing stricter data privacy laws, the government could, consequently, help shield vulnerable individuals from aggressive and manipulative marketing campaigns.

Furthermore, state and territory governments have been urged to amend liquor laws to curb practices like late-night alcohol deliveries. Suggested changes include bans on home delivery of alcohol during late hours and the introduction of a mandatory two-hour delay between placing and receiving an order. These simple yet impactful changes could serve to protect those struggling with alcohol dependency.

Why Immediate Action Is Crucial

The recent federal Parliamentary Inquiry into the health impacts of alcohol and drug use included a recommendation for an extensive report into the issue. Advocates for public health stress that this inquiry must move forward without delay.

“These numbers aren’t just statistics,” stated Professor Lubman. “They represent our friends, family, and neighbours. Ensuring all Australians can access the proper treatment and support is critical to building healthier, more resilient communities.”

Dr Earl added, “We need robust measures that prioritise the health and wellbeing of individuals over the economic interests of the alcohol industry. It’s time for Australia to implement safeguards that match the challenges of our digital age.”

The Wider Impact of Alcohol Misuse

The alcohol treatment crisis in Australia has a ripple effect, impacting families, workplaces, and communities. The correlation between heavy alcohol use and instances of domestic violence, mental health issues, and workplace inefficiencies serves as a stark reminder of the broader societal cost of inaction. Addressing this crisis is not just about individuals but about fostering a healthier, more inclusive community for everyone.

Source: Fare