Having a drink is a social norm in Australia—it’s part of barbeques, social outings, weddings, and even after-work catchups. But sometimes, what starts as casual or social drinking slowly becomes something harder to control. When alcohol begins to impact your daily life, relationships, or overall wellbeing, it may be time to look more closely at your drinking habits.
At Talked, we offer private, professional support online to help you explore your relationship with alcohol, understand the reasons behind it, and take steps toward lasting change. Click here to find therapists experienced in supporting people with substance use issues.
What is Alcohol Use Disorder?
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a medical condition marked by ongoing, harmful patterns of drinking that are hard to control. It’s not just about how often someone drinks—it’s about how alcohol impacts their life, relationships, physical health, and mental health.
People with AUD may drink to manage or escape emotions, and they struggle to stop even when they want to. Some people also use the terms alcohol dependence, alcohol abuse, and alcoholism to refer to AUD.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, you can also contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636.
Who’s more vulnerable to AUD?
AUD can affect anyone, but some groups face higher risk:
Those with a family history of addiction
People living with mental health conditions, such as depression or PTSD
Young adults and teens, especially those who start drinking early
Individuals under high stress or experiencing trauma
People who feel socially isolated
Men, who are statistically more likely to drink at risky levels
Signs of alcohol dependence
Drinking problems can creep in slowly. Common warning signs include:
Regularly drinking more than intended
Feeling anxious or unwell without alcohol
Neglecting responsibilities or relationships
Trying to quit but struggling to follow through
Using alcohol to deal with stress or emotions
Feeling shame or hiding your drinking
Alcohol’s effects on mental health
While alcohol may offer temporary relief, it usually makes mental health symptoms worse over time. Regular use can lead to:
Sleep problems and poor concentration
Mood swings or emotional instability
Higher risk of self-harm or suicidal thoughts
Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it slows brain activity and can worsen existing emotional challenges—even if it initially feels like a stress reliever.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 1 in 4 Australians exceeds the recommended alcohol intake guidelines, raising their risk of both mental and physical health issues.
Types of treatment for alcohol use
Recovery works best with a mix of support — from medical help to counselling and lifestyle changes. Here's what that can look like:
1. Therapy and counselling
Working with a therapist can help uncover triggers and develop new coping strategies. Approaches like CBT, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed therapy are especially effective.
2. Medically supervised detox
For those physically dependent on alcohol, detoxing under medical care is essential to safely manage withdrawal symptoms.
3. Rehabilitation programs
These structured programs, inpatient or outpatient, offer therapy, education, and peer support to help build healthier habits and prevent relapse.
4. Medication
Doctors may prescribe medications to reduce cravings or create adverse reactions when drinking. Approved medications in Australia include Acamprosate, Naltrexone, and Disulfiram. These are most effective when paired with counselling.
5. Family counselling
Family counselling or family involvement can make a big difference. Therapy helps families improve communication, set boundaries, and reduce enabling behaviours. It also helps reshape household dynamics and minimise access to alcohol at home, making recovery more sustainable.
Helping a loved one who’s struggling
If someone close to you is drinking in harmful ways, supporting them can be hard. Here's how you can help:
Express concern without judgment
Encourage professional support
Set healthy boundaries
Avoid enabling behaviours
Seek counselling for yourself too
Change doesn’t happen overnight, but your support—combined with professional help—can make a powerful impact.
How Talked can help
Getting help doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Talked, we connect you with mental health professionals who understand addiction and recovery.
With Talked, you get:
Online therapy from anywhere in Australia
Private, flexible sessions that fit your schedule
A choice of therapists based on your needs and preferences
Support for individuals and families navigating alcohol-related issues
Whether you're cutting back, trying to quit, or supporting a loved one, Talked offers a space to be heard and to heal.
