Critical Analysis of Substance Abuse Services in Australia

This paper critically analyzes the substance abuse services in Australia, evaluating the legislative and organizational environment, program and service models, and the population served. It discusses the issues and problems addressed and provides a critique of the field of practice. The National Drug Strategy and its impact are also examined.

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Critical Analysis of the Substance abuse services in Australia
Introduction
Substance abuse is a significant problem in Australia, and millions of Australians and
their families struggle with a wide range of substance use disorders and related issues. About
6,000 people die every year in Australia due to alcohol and drug abuse related issues. World
Health Organization states Australia to be the 20th drunkest nation (15). Despite the challenges,
there are significant efforts being made by the Australian government to control substance abuse
with treatment programs and rehab options. National Drug Strategy and Alcohol and other drug
(AOD) treatments offer an extensive range of services to people dealing with substance abuse
(15). The paper makes a critical analysis of the Substance abuse counselling services in Australia
and related policies. It evaluates the legislative and organizational environment and the program
and service models to analyze their effectiveness.
Population Served
National Drug Strategy serves a wide and varied population struggling with substance
abuse in Australia. Population covered and served by National Drug Strategy cover young
people, older people, people with mental health issues, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
people, marginalized populations like lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender as well as
linguistically diverse populations (4). Alcohol use disorders, PTSD, and smoking co-occur
commonly in Australian men and women. It is essential to comprehend the associations between
smoking, alcohol, and substance use and develop integrated treatments to address those issues
concurrently (5). There is adequate research that shows that alcohol use ailments and smoking
are related strongly. More than 3.5 million people in Australia smoke and are at risks of stroke,
heart disease, blindness, and arthritis (5).

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The population served by The National Drug Strategy is defined in terms of the
consumers of substance use. ASSAD survey reflects that secondary school students commonly
use alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco, and more than 94% of students have tried analgesics. Use of
these substances increased with age (7). The 2016 National Drug Strategy Household Survey
finds tobacco and alcohol to be most commonly used in Australia. About 12 % of Australians
smoke tobacco, and 77% of Australians take alcohol daily. Nearly17% are at higher risk of
substance abuse and related harm (1). About 43% of Australians have reported illicit drugs use,
and Cannabis is the most frequently used drug, followed by Ecstasy and hallucinogens.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males are admitted to hospitals for alcohol and
substance abuse related issues. There is a higher consumption of alcohol and other drugs (AOD)
among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Suicide among the Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people is strongly linked with substance abuse and related problems. While the
majority of them consume alcohol, one-third use drugs such as amphetamines, cannabis,
inhalants, or opiates (12). Although there is a significantly higher number of men than women
who misuse alcohol, the gender gap has decreased over time. Men consume alcohol to conform
to a group and enhance positive emotions while women consume alcohol due to stress and
negativity in their life (8). Australian National Household Survey finds a 2:1 ratio in males and
females for high-risk drinking. However, ratios of alcohol treatment services of men to women
range from 3:1 to 10:1 (11). Thus, one can imply that the number of women taking to substance
abuse is on the rise, but the number of women seeking treatment services remains low.
Legislative, administrative and organizational environment
Substance abuse is a worldwide problem and creating adequate legislative, and
administrative environment can lead to effective treatment and prevention. The national policy

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for curbing the harmful consequences of drug and alcohol focus on controlling the making and
sourcing of drugs and lower the demand for drugs. There are numerous public and private
treatment programs that focus on raising awareness and minimize the harm to individuals and
communities. The National Drug Strategy is the most recent cooperative policy developed by the
Australian Government, and it follows a coordinated approach between the central, state and
territory governments and the non-government sectors (1). The legislative and administrative
environment within Australia has become complicated over time.
Australia has always followed restrictive drug policies successfully until the mid-1960s.
However, beyond that, drug consumption began to rise and has continued to rise in the coming
decades despite the increase in penalties (16). The National Drug Strategy is very much needed
in the country as substance abuse influences not only the individual but also his family and
community. Impacts can include chronic conditions, mental health problems, violence, and other
crimes (4). Social harms can develop, such as unhealthy childhood development, domestic and
family violence. National Campaign Against Drug Abuse (NCADA) was imitated in 1985 with
an excessively punitive approach with an emphasis on public health and harm reduction (16). In
Australia, Alcohol and Other Drug or AOD services are funded by state and territory
governments and accessible in all states. Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Services National
Minimum Data Set (AODTS NMDS) offers complete info on the treatment provided to clients
by government and non-government organizations (1). There is a rise in the number of AOD
treatment agencies reporting to AODTS NMDS over the years in New South Wales, Queensland,
South Australia, and Western Australia (1). National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Health Plan 2013 – 2023 is a long-term policy that guides the Council of Australian

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Governments to work together and bridge the gap in Indigenous disadvantage and improve
opportunities for Indigenous Australians (12).
Programs like Needle and Syringe Programs (NSPs) helped to decrease healthcare and
social welfare costs connected to drug abuse, but there was little improvement seen in drug use
in Australia’s society. National Cannabis Strategy was developed in alignment with the National
Drug Strategy to control Cannabis use and reduce demand. Medically Supervised Injecting
Centers (MSICs) enable hygienic injection of drugs under professional supervision (16).
Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD), which was formed in 1998, aimed to bring
different sectors of the community together in the struggle against substance abuse. It did help in
lowering the barriers between the different services and worked as a pressure group to raise the
budgets against drug abuse (16). The Australian Police Commissioners standardize, and
coordinate drug-related policies and reflects equal involvement of law practitioners and health
officials in directing drug-related strategies (12). The regulations include controls over the sale,
supply, and possession of controlled substances, and the aim is to protect public health and
safety. The expiation model of decriminalization in Australia led to many more cannabis offence
detections, but many offenders were able to avoid criminal prosecution as they failed to pay
expiation fees. Despite these problems, the expiation method has been cost-effective in lowering
enforcement costs and controlling cannabis use (18). The presumed benefits of the
criminalization of cannabis are to deter its use.
Issues and Problems Addressed
The National Drug Strategy identifies national priorities related to substance abuse and
offers guideless to work in partnership with community and service providers. The aim is to
control substance abuse and related issues through a balanced approach and harm reduction

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strategies. The objective behind is to build healthy and safe Australian communities through a
reduction in substance abuse and prevent any other related social, cultural, and economic harms
to the society (4). The National Drug Strategy has reinforced drug treatment, law enforcement,
and Australia’s model for dealing with substance abuse. Professional development of the
workforce, careful evaluations and reviews of existing policy directions and programs, and
national drug-specific action plans achieved have played a major role in this position (2). The
National Drug Strategic Framework identifies certain priority areas for controlling substance
abuse and understanding drug-related harms. Professional education and training, supply
reduction, easy access to treatment, and links with other strategies can help evaluate the progress
of the policies and programs related to substance abuse. The objective is to raise awareness
through education and prevention efforts. Social marketing campaigns, community development
projects, and school-based drug education plus distribution of information products can educate
the masses of the harmful consequences of substance abuse (3). AOD public policy focuses on
lowering the demand and supply of drugs through laws and regulation and through prevention
and treatment (14).
Program and Service models
National Drug Strategy program and service models follow a balanced approach across
all levels and emphasize an integrated service and evidence-informed practice. The program and
services identify trends and changes related to the current prevalence of drug use. Most service
models are based on coordination and collaboration between agencies. Information and resource
sharing plus exchange data of data information between health, law enforcement
, and other stakeholders leads to specialized policies and programs. Education, training,
and cooperation have worked towards more effective innovations. Professional working

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relationships between the government, community-based organizations, research institutions,
medical profession, and affected communities are a crucial feature of the service models of the
National Drug Strategy. Research, data, and specialist advice are essential aspects of the
programs and allow a better understanding of substance abuse issues (2).
Critique of the Substance abuse field of practice
The overall drug use saw a rise during the eighties and nineties in Australia. The
Australian Government reversed the upward trend with the application of the National Illicit
Drugs Strategy in 1998- “Tough on Drugs (16). As a result, household surveys showed a decline
in the use of amphetamines, cannabis, and heroin. Only ecstasy and cocaine use have shown a
continued upward trend. The Australian approach to drug control is different from other
countries as it focuses on harm reduction rather than demand reduction activities. The rationale
behind was to minimize the harmful impact of substance use (16). Despite consistent efforts,
there is evidence pertinent to the results of Australian control programs that the results are not
entirely satisfactory.
Annual reports and surveys indicate that less than half of those who need AOD treatment
services in Australia are able to obtain suitable treatment (14). The key elements of intervention
include a rehabilitation center and an isolated outstation where the subjects were given drug
education, life skills, and recreational sessions. Still, evidence-based on a study showed that most
of the participants were still using alcohol and cannabis (6). Clearly, some of the policies have
been not so effective. The government needs to shift investment from law enforcement towards
AOD treatment. The funding for AOD treatment still remains complicated, and there are little
planning and coordination between the federal and state governments in Australia (14). The
National Drug Strategy does not offer clear guidelines on the division of responsibilities. The

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anti-narcotics expenses are not set up regularly recognized in Australia like in many other
countries.
Although alcohol intake in Australia is slightly lower than in EU countries, it is still
higher than in North America. National Binge Drinking Strategy has recently been announced by
the Australian Government to reduce alcohol consumption among youth under 18 (16). Early
intervention and diversion programs raise awareness among young people about the
consequences of binge drinking. Courts, laws, and regulations leave an adverse impact on
substance users in relation to their employment, social relationships, and health. Specific
interventions show positive results regarding family relations and employment. However, there
is scarce information on the impact of courts and laws on drug-related life domains (17).
Although decriminalization has flourished in dropping enforcement and other expenses without
raising the cannabis use problems, the same effects would not result from the legalization of
cannabis or the decriminalization of other illegal drugs (18). There are still relatively very few
agencies in the remote or very remote areas across most states and territories (1).As the National
Drug Strategic Framework carries a complicated structure, it is not surprising that there are
emerging issues related to how the structure can respond in a timely and efficient manner. There
are concerns related to confusion about roles and responsibilities and duplication between
different organizations and committees (12). Cooperative governmental arrangements can
indicate the success and value of partnerships. The lack of discretionary budgets and short-term
planning cycles lead to low-performance indicators. It is essential to assess and fine-tune the best
practice standards for substance abuse issues (12).
Overall, Australia has made good progress related to drug and alcohol problems and their
management. National Drug Strategy has established a government strategic method for

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managing drug and alcohol problems through demand, supply, and harm reduction. However, the
substance abuse issues of Australian Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders still remain a
challenge for the government (10). There are inadequate drug and alcohol services that are
dedicated to this group. There is a need to shift away from the politics of drug plans and
strategies and look at evidence-based strategies to combat substance abuse related issues. The
individual must give up the drugs and without the stigma and harms associated. The zero-
tolerance messages are sure to remain unrealistic, looking at the patterns of youth drug use (9).
The young people need specific strategies to understand the risks associated with drug use, and
pill testing can be one way of sending that message.
Conclusion
To conclude on the above discussion of the National Drug Strategy framework and its
multiple policies services, and legislation, it is apparent that a lot is being done in this direction.
Adequate resourcing and support to communities and community organizations is an essential
component of the program. Demand reduction, harm reduction and supply reduction are the three
pillars of the National Drug Strategy. Despite consistent efforts, there is evidence applicable to
the consequences of Australian control programs that indicate weak and inconsistent. results
because of the on the complex environment of National Drug Strategy. Although much progress
is made a lot more needs to be done. The foundational information on the demand control
programs that target specific populations, or a particular community is essential to understand
program effectiveness. The policymakers and communities should work together to address
particular substance use issues and how to channel resources to address identified problems in
the local context. There should be a clear role and responsibility defined between health

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portfolios, law enforcement, and justice to implement and monitor Australia’s national drug
policies and frameworks.
Reference list

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