Mental health problems high among Aussies entering alcohol and drug treatment

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2024-08-20 03:00

Australia; NSW; QLD

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Australians entering alcohol and drug treatment are likely to have a dependency on different substances depending on their age, according to a study of people enrolling in a large alcohol and drug service called Lives Lived Well from late 2020 to late 2022. Nearly 9500 clients enrolled during the study, the researchers say, with a fifth under 25, a third under 35 and just under half over 35. The researchers say under 25s were more likely to have cannabis as their drug of concern, compared to methamphetamine for under 25s and alcohol for over 35s. Nearly two-thirds of the clients had moderate to severe depression symptoms, over half reported moderate to severe anxiety and just under half showed signs of post-traumatic stress disorder, the researchers add, with younger clients the most likely to have mental health problems.