How to get help for a substance use disorder

Published October 2025 | 5 min read
Expert contributors: Professor Dan Lubman, Director of the Monash Addiction Research Centre and Turning Point; Tony Johannsen, psychotherapist and behaviour change expert; Andrew Golding, Mental Health Clinician at Royal Flying Doctor Service
Words by Sabrina Rogers-Anderson

Substance use disorder is the third most common type of mental disorder in Australians aged 16 to 85. Seeking help can feel daunting, but support is available.

At the end of a long day, many people reach for a drink to help them unwind. But how can you tell when your relaxation ritual has turned into a habit you can no longer control?

Substance use disorders are the third most common type of mental disorder among Australians aged 16 to 85, impacting an estimated 650,000 people (3% of the population).

Despite this prevalence, knowing where to find support can be confusing, especially in rural or remote areas. So, what is substance use disorder – and what support is available?

What is substance use disorder?

Substance use disorder is a mental health condition where a person has trouble controlling their use of substances like alcohol or drugs to the point where it negatively affects their health and wellbeing. The term substance use disorder reflects the fact it’s a condition that exists on a spectrum ranging from mild to severe.

“We tend to have very stereotypical ideas about people with substance use disorder that are often reinforced by the media,” says Professor Dan Lubman, Director of the Monash Addiction Research Centre and Turning Point.

“But it can affect anyone regardless of background, job or income level, from CEOs to tradies and teachers. It often starts when people use substances to cope with stress, pain, trauma or other challenges, but over time they find it hard to cut back or stop.”

How substance use disorder can affect your wellbeing

Substance use disorder can lead to a range of physical, mental and social health issues, including:

• anxiety and depression
• mood swings
• aggression
• psychosis
• risky or illegal behaviours, including drink driving and unprotected sex
• sleep disturbances or insomnia
• cognitive or memory issues
• liver, kidney or heart problems
• cancer
• infections
• overdose
• relationship difficulties
• work challenges
• financial problems.

People with mental health conditions might use alcohol or drugs to self-medicate their symptoms and, conversely, using substances can lead to mental health issues.

When should you seek help?

Signs it might be time to get help for substance use disorder can include:

• regularly using more of the substance than you meant to
• strong urges or cravings for the substance
• spending a lot of time getting, using or recovering from the substance
• trying to cut down or stop unsuccessfully
• failing to meet school, work or family responsibilities because of your substance use
• continuing to use the substance despite the issues it’s causing in your life
• giving up activities that you used to love because of substance use
• developing tolerance (you need more to get the same effect)
• experiencing withdrawal symptoms that are relieved by taking more of the substance.

Prof Lubman encourages people to get help early. “Many people are worried they’ll be judged or blamed if they admit they may have a problem,” he says. “If you discover that you can’t stop or find it very difficult to take a break, that’s probably an early flag that you might need advice or support.”

Types of support and treatment

While it might be daunting to talk to your GP about the extent of your drinking or drug use, they’re a good person to start with when seeking help. They can check your physical and mental health and advise on the best course of action. It’s important to be honest about your habits.

HCF’s GP2U service allows you to book an online GP consultation from the comfort of your home^*. All members with health cover can access 10-minute telehealth consultations for a flat rate of $50. Members who live in rural and remote areas can access one standard 15-minute telehealth consultation per year at no cost^{^}.

If you don’t feel able to talk to your GP, there are plenty of confidential support services you can reach out to for help.

These four types of support and treatments are available to people living with substance use disorder.

1. Therapy

Your GP can refer you to a therapist who specialises in substance use and addiction, or you can search online for one in your local area. They can help you address the root causes of your substance use and find better ways to manage challenging situations and feelings.

2. Peer support groups

Peer support groups and programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (1300 222 222), Narcotics Anonymous (1300 652 820) and GROW (1800 558 268) have helped millions of people around the world deal with substance use and mental health problems. They’re available in many locations around Australia.

3. Apps and online programs

Several apps and online programs can help you change your relationship with substances. The free Daybreak app features a drink-tracker function, provides 24/7 digital support and connects you with a like-minded anonymous online community for peer support. Eligible HCF members can also be referred to additional mental health support through Daybreak⁺. SMART Recovery is another free app featuring learning resources, goal-setting tools, practical coping strategies, a meeting finder and motivational prompts.

4. Rehabilitation

‘Rehab’ is an umbrella term for a range of programs and services that can help people quit or manage their substance use, including:

• withdrawal services (detox)
• residential treatment
• day rehabilitation and outpatient treatment programs
• outreach programs (where a counsellor comes to you).

Your GP can recommend the best rehab option for you.

Watch our Men's Mental Health in Focus video about substance abuse and addiction.

Positive lifestyle habits that can support recovery

“For most people, the process isn’t linear,” says Tony Johannsen, a behaviour change facilitator and psychotherapist (someone who helps people understand the thoughts, feelings and behaviours negatively impacting their life).

He says setbacks are expected along the way, but a lapse isn’t a reason to go all the way back to the start. “It’s important to remember the success you’ve had so far and realise the skills you’ve learnt along the way can help you make sure a lapse doesn't become a relapse.”

Adopting positive lifestyle changes – like getting enough sleep (eligible HCF members^# can get a free 12-month subscription to the Sleepfit app to identify sleep concerns and improve sleep habits), eating well and exercising – can help you stay on track.

“It doesn’t even need to be formal exercise,” says Tony. “Doing anything that involves physical engagement, like working with your hands or walking, is great. Or go see a friend who doesn’t use substances. Lean into the things that make substance use inconvenient.”

In a recent chat about men’s mental health with HCF, former NRL player, author and Wiradjuri and Walgalu man Joe Williams told Tony that sitting in the bush around a fire – “being completely present in that moment” – helps him reconnect with himself and stay on track with his sobriety.

“It’s when I’m out on Country, with the peace and the silence of what Country can bring,” Joe explained. “It’s only when we … slow our mind down and sit with our presence, do we start to feel peace.”

Challenges and solutions for rural Australians

People who live in rural and remote areas can face specific challenges when it comes to accessing help for substance use disorder.

Some people may hesitate to seek help because in small communities it can be harder to maintain privacy and anonymity, which can increase fears of being judged.

“They may worry about being judged by family members or people in their social circles, as well as the impact it could have on various aspects of their lives, such as their employment,” says Andrew Golding, Mental Health Clinician at Royal Flying Doctor Service.

“But by opening up to people they trust, they can start to gain support and may find it easier than dealing with these difficulties alone.”

It can also be challenging to find information on support services and treatment programs that are accessible and cost-effective, Andrew adds, pointing to the limited availability of mental healthcare services in remote areas. “Talking to a GP or another health professional, such as at the local hospital or community mental health service, can be a good first step to get more information or possibly a referral to local groups [such as SMART Recovery program meetings], online programs or other services.” 

Connect with support services to get help

There are several helplines where you can get immediate support, including the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline (1800 250 015) and ReachOut (online chat).

If you or someone you know needs support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au. For immediate support, call 000.

Book a free mental wellbeing check-in

Start your recovery journey with a mental wellbeing check – it’s a simple first step if you're dealing with substance use challenges. To provide you with fast and easy access to care, eligible members can get a free annual HealthyMinds Check-in delivered by registered psychologists online, with appointments available from early morning to late in the evening from the comfort of your home^**.