Addiction in Australia is a growing public health concern, affecting thousands of individuals and families every year. This is one of those chronic illnesses that is becoming a part of Australians’ lives at an alarming rate. Around 1 in 20 Australians has an addiction or substance misuse problem. This disease is not only related to substances like tobacco, alcohol, or drugs (be it prescribed or illicit drugs). Addiction is also related to some activities, e.g., gambling, shopping, computer games, exercise, or eating.
You don’t have to blame yourself if you have become an addict, as it doesn’t mean that you have failed as a human being, and you have failed morally. This is a medical condition, and, like other conditions, it is treatable. Most of the time, to get rid of one substance, people either switch to another item or find an alternative.
Vaping first became popular among people who were trying to quit smoking or looking for an alternative to cigarettes. Vaping is most common among young Australians, with 9.3% of people aged 18–24 and 6.5% of people aged 25–29 using them daily in 2022–2023, and these figures have been rising each year.
In this digital age, getting help is much easier thanks to telehealth services. With just a click, you can book a consultation with a registered telepsychiatry provider, such as HelloDoc, who will help address your concerns and make your path to recovery easily accessible.
What Is Addiction? Understanding the Basics
We need to understand what addiction actually is in order to get to know it better. Once we get a basic idea, we can easily identify the type of addiction one person is suffering from.
The Medical Definition of Addiction
A chronic brain disorder that brings in timely peace and joy at the cost of health. In simpler words, you use a substance more without even realizing that it is harming you and the others around you. Getting addicted is not the same as physical dependence.
It is a disease in which one becomes dependent on a substance that the whole nervous system depends on. So, if we stop the substance usage, the body is going to have withdrawal symptoms. One can be physically dependent without being addicted (e.g., daily caffeine use or cancer pain medication).
Think of it this way: for a moment of peace and joy, you are putting your health at risk, and as it progresses, it changes how you think, feel, and respond to everyday situations.
Types of Addiction
This illness can be divided into two parts:
- Substance addictions: alcohol, drugs, nicotine/vaping.
- Behavioural addictions: gambling, gaming, social media.
As discussed before, addiction is a chronic disease, and it is not good for one’s health. Along with this, you have other co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, which can increase the usage of substances.
The Rise of Vaping in Australia: A New Kind of Addiction
Vape or e-cigarette has been introduced to the younger audience of Australia as an alternative to cigarettes. A substance that is said to be much healthier and better than tobacco. Let’s find out why vaping has become a much more popular and widely used item than cigarettes.
Why Is Vaping So Addictive?
Some cigarettes have a fixed amount of nicotine, which means that if you smoke, it releases dopamine to your brain. The same is the case with an e-cigarette; once a person starts vaping, the brain adapts in such a way that it expects that nicotine hit when vaping frequently.
But if we talk about vaping, the amount of nicotine in the device is alarmingly high. A simple cigarette has 10-12 milligrams of nicotine present, but the body absorbs 1-2 mg of nicotine per cigarette.
Some high-strength nicotine salt liquids have a concentration of 20 mg/ml. Vaping devices deliver nicotine efficiently, and users consume nicotine through this more frequently than they would with cigarettes. Thus, increasing the risk of nicotine dependence.
So, if a simple cigarette is harmful for a single person, then think how much more harmful a vape can be. What makes it much more dangerous is that this device is also being used by teens.
Signs You Are Addicted to Vaping
These are the signs that tell you that you are getting addicted to vaping:
- Waking up, the first thought that comes to your mind is to vape.
- Feeling irritated or anxious when not vaping
- Having difficulty concentrating without vaping
- Returning to vaping even after attempting to stop
- Hiding your vaping behaviour from family, friends, or colleagues.
If some of the above-mentioned things resemble your behaviour, it is best to speak with a professional. Addiction is just a medical condition that is easier to get free from with the right support.
How to Quit Vaping
Quitting vaping is quite challenging due to its dependence. Thousands of Australians quit vaping every year with the right strategies and support. Some strategies that may support people who want to stop vaping include:
- You can leave it immediately and stop vaping completely. Or you can do it gradually by reducing the dose of your nicotine and then be free from it.
- Some people explore nicotine-replacement products or professional support services when trying to stop vaping.
- Knowing that the first two weeks after quitting will be difficult, but that things will get easier as you progress, can help keep you motivated.
- A telehealth psychiatrist can help you stop vaping by providing professional guidance and treatment.
Drug Addiction - When Recreational Use Becomes a Crisis
Drug addiction has become a serious issue nowadays. Even the drugs that are the basis of treatment are being misused as a substance.
Common Types of Drug Addiction in Australia
Drugs are categorised into two parts:
- Illegal drugs that:
- Affects the brain’s reward system
- Can lead to psychological and physical dependence
- Often carries significant and legal health risks
- Prescription drugs that are misused:
- Certain pain-relief medicines
- Some medicines are used for anxiety or sleep
- Medicines prescribed for attention or focus conditions
Such recreational use of prescription-based drugs becomes a dependency for the users without them knowing. The above-mentioned prescription medicines are commonly used to treat pain, anxiety, or sleep-related conditions, and difficulties with attention or concentration. If a person needs a higher dose to achieve the same relief, that is a sign worth taking seriously.
Warning Signs of Drug Addiction
Drug addiction often develops gradually and can sometimes be difficult to recognise.
One of the earliest warning signs may be neglecting responsibilities. One would start to avoid responsibilities, whether at work, at school, or at home. Such activities would be seen as chores, and people would avoid them. They start to isolate themselves from friends, won’t take part in any social events, or indulge in activities they once enjoyed.
During this time, a person may start to face some financial difficulties. When that is happening, borrowing money would become a natural habit. Other than that, physical and mental changes are apparent: losing weight, sleeplessness, poor diet, as well as frequent mood changes.
If such habits are visible, then the next step should be consulting a qualified psychiatrist to minimise and stop such addictions.
The Link Between Drug Addiction and Mental Health
It is shown in research that untreated mental health (anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, etc.) has a two-way link with substance use disorder (SUD). Temporarily, such medicines would ease the pain, but using them time and time again would worsen the health condition.
An important thing in such complex cases is that the help of a qualified psychiatrist is needed. They will perform dual diagnosis, in which both the drug addiction and mental illness are treated simultaneously.
HelloDoc’s psychiatrists are experienced in treating dual diagnosis, ensuring patients receive detailed, collaborative care for a better tomorrow.
Rehabilitation - What Does Recovery Actually Look Like?
Rehabilitation is the first step in following the path to betterment. The journey of returning to a healthy life starts here.
Types of Rehabilitation Programs
Three common types of rehabilitation programs are provided in Australia:
- Inpatient or Outpatient Rehabilitation: Inpatient rehabilitation is when a patient is sent to a residential facility for treatment. On the other hand, an outpatient option allows the individual to receive treatment at home.
- Community-Based Program: The community would come together and provide local support for families and friends alike to overcome drug abuse.
- Telehealth Rehabilitation: Increasingly popular in Australia, telehealth rehabilitation is for those who prefer not to attend in-person services
Telehealth rehabilitation brings benefits. This type of program is suitable for people in both rural and urban areas. You can have access to services from anywhere in Australia without the need to travel.
Secondly, to get mental health treatment, one has to wait for quite some time, but through telehealth programs, the waiting period is significantly reduced.
What to Expect in an Addiction Recovery Plan
The addiction recovery plan is a detailed process. First, the psychiatric assessment, where the severity of the addiction is checked, co-occurring mental health conditions are identified, and a clear picture of the patient is established.
Following the assessment, a personalised treatment plan is developed that may include: medication, cognitive behavioural treatment (CBT), lifestyle recommendations, follow-up appointments, and relapse prevention strategies.
During recovery, setbacks can happen, and a good treatment plan accounts for this, making sure that the patients receive the guidance to stay on track.
Conclusion: Recovery Is Possible, and Help Is Closer Than You Think
Addiction, whether it is vaping, drugs, or any kind of substance, is a medical condition that can affect anyone regardless of their age. Taking the first step by seeking professional help takes a lot of courage, and once taken, a better future is within reach.
If you or your loved one requires such medical support, then you do not have to face it alone. Remember, it just takes one click to get the help you need for a brighter tomorrow.
HelloDoc (Disclaimer and Liability Terms)
HelloDoc aims to connect users with psychiatry professionals. However, we do not guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information shared. The platform does not warrant any professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All services are offered “as-is,” and users must assess their relevance independently.
HelloDoc is NOT an emergency response platform. All consultations are by appointment only. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please seek immediate assistance from emergency services.
For Mental Health Emergencies in Australia, contact:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
- MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
- Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service: 1800 011 046
The information on this website, including blog posts, is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace or substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or evidence-based treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any medical condition or health-related questions. By continuing to use HelloDoc, you accept these terms and acknowledge that they may change without notice.
