Navigating Substance Abuse: A Call for Compassion and Reform
By Catherine Stokoe
Substance abuse is a pervasive issue in Australia, deeply embedded in our cultural fabric. From casual after-work drinks to weekend BBQs and boozy Friday or Saturday nights, drinking is a ‘rite of passage’. Coupled with the traditional Aussie mindset of ‘she’ll be right, mate’ that discourages open discussions about mental health and substance-related struggles, we live in a society where ‘having an issue with the grog’ is almost impossible to talk about. With drinking deeply ingrained from a young age and a lack of openness around mental health, the stigma around substance abuse has become a dangerous cycle within our community.
Being out of control is scary – for both the person struggling and for those around them – so we try to laugh it off, play the problem down, and use shame and fear tactics. We often resort to using humour to deflect, or outright denial to mask the severity of our struggles. Australians dealing with substance abuse not only face the physical and psychological hurdles of addiction but also shoulder the weight of social stigma.
The result is that many feel the need to hide their struggles for as long as possible, but the longer they attempt to manage it on their own, the more problematic it can become. This has created a culture of minimising and normalising alcohol misuse in Australia – which only perpetuates the cycle.
Helping Before the Rehab Stage
Entering residential rehab is a big step and nobody makes that decision lightly. Before someone comes to treatment they have often tried to manage the issue themselves, perhaps sought counselling and are often already depleted. Addiction is a complex beast, and one that exhausts both the sufferer, as well as their family and friends.
Being a supportive, non-judgmental listener when a friend or family member reaches out can encourage them to seek help earlier. Feelings of judgement or shame can be isolating for those struggling with addiction, delaying their access to much-needed support. Patience, consistency, and honest discussions about the impact of addiction on individuals and those around them can help individuals move past denial and take the crucial first steps toward recovery.
Unfortunately, current efforts to address substance abuse in Australia are limited. Initiatives are hindered by inadequate funding and support, and the lack of emphasis on education perpetuates the stigma surrounding the issue. Existing laws tend to punish rather than help those struggling with substance abuse, reinforcing the misconception that they are criminals rather than individuals in need of rehabilitation.
As a professional working with substance abuse patients daily, there is a stark absence of evidence that the current system is effective. The statistics reflect this gap, underscoring the urgent need for increased funding, comprehensive education, and de-stigmatisation efforts. It is imperative to engage in more conversations, deepen public understanding, allocate more funding, and enhance education to effectively address this complex issue.
How to Help Those with Substance Abuse
Understanding Root Causes: Acknowledge the link between childhood trauma and substance misuse. Approach individuals with kindness, recognising their pain, and encourage them to seek professional help.
Seeking Professional Assistance: Overcoming addiction is not a solitary journey. If helping someone, listen without pretending to understand fully and assist them in accessing professional support. Recognise the long road to recovery and establish clear boundaries to prevent burnout.
Education, Support, and Reducing Stigma: Prioritise societal education on substance misuse, emphasising that addiction is a mental health issue. Friends and family can play a pivotal role by providing understanding, encouragement, and emotional support, thereby reducing the stigma associated with substance abuse.
Taking the First Steps Towards Change
Initiating change requires acknowledging the issue, reaching out for help, or accepting assistance. This demands humility and courage, recognising that change is not easy. Whether someone suspects they are drinking too much or has hit rock bottom, seeking help is possible at any stage. Persistence is key to recovery – for anyone to get well, they need to want to get well.
By fostering understanding, providing support, and reducing stigma through education and open conversations, we can create a society where individuals feel empowered to seek help and embark on a path towards recovery.
Catherine is a Clinically Registered Member of PACFA with over 25 years specialising in addiction treatment. Day-to-day, Catherine works alongside the other therapists across different modalities to provide a holistic and personalised treatment program for every guest. Her days include everything from assessing new guests as they arrive at the house to daily therapy sessions.
Catherine was inspired to become a Psychotherapist after her own battles with addiction. She has walked the journey of treatment and helps the guests at Hope in Health discover the freedom of recovery. Through therapy, she equips them with the tools they need to heal their trauma and care for themselves.
