Addictions Resources for Older People
What is meant by addictions?
Addiction refers to the physical and/or psychological need to do, take or use something, to the point where it could be harmful i.e. when the use causes continuing or growing problems in the user’s everyday life and functioning, including physical and social problems. Developing an addiction in the later years may seem unlikely, but it is often brought on by the health and social changes that occur during that lifestage. Addiction issues among older people are thus frequently underestimated and underdiagnosed, meaning older adults may not get the help required. This section covers some of the more common addictions including alcohol, tobacco, illicit and prescription drugs, and gambling
Key Organisations in Drug & Alcohol Addiction Support
Peak bodies, advocacy groups and other organisations
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) provides information, resources, help and support for individuals, family, community and workplaces to prevent alcohol and other drug harm.
Searchable directory of independently rated alcohol and drug-related websites.
Information, resources, and community networks for health professionals and community members about alcohol and other drug usage in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
For Consumers
Drug and alcohol support resources to use, together with consumers, to support their needs
Alcohol.Think Again is an education campaign from Western Australia aiming to reduce alcohol related harm and ill-health.
Search drug names, slang or effects.
Information, education and resources to create a healthier and safer drinking culture in Australia.
Fact sheets about a number of prescription and non-prescription drugs.
Resources and support for consumers to reduce prescription medication misuse and overdose fatalities.
Consumer information and support for opioid dependence.
For Health Professionals
Information, resources, and educational programs to assist health professionals in providing drug and alcohol addiction support to older people.
A practical guide for health professionals working with older people experiencing alcohol and other drug (AOD) related harm.
DACAS is a free, 24/7, telephone service providing clinical advice to health professionals about alcohol and other drug problems.
Information sheets for health professionals focusing on the needs of older people who are experiencing, or at risk of harm from alcohol and other drugs.
Resource for health professionals to support those with concurrent gambling and substance abuse problems.
Overview of substance misuse and recommended management approaches in the older population; targeted at health professionals.
Reports and Policy
Research papers, reports, reviews and guidelines providing a deeper, evidence-based perspective on drug and alcohol addiction support.
NHMRC evidence-based guidelines for reducing the health risks that arise from drinking alcohol.
This article provides an overview on illicit drug use in Australia.
Key Organisations for Gambling Support
Peak bodies, advocacy groups and other organisations
Online support and counseling for anyone affected by gambling.
Information, resources and support services for consumers and health professionals, aimed at reducing problem gambling.
Gambling Addiction Information For Consumers
Resources to use, together with consumers, to support their needs
Gambler’s Help in English, Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Spanish, Turkish, Greek and Italian.
For Health Professionals
Information, resources, and educational programs to assist health professionals to support older people facing gambling addiction issues
Resource for health professionals to support those with concurrent gambling and substance abuse problems.
Reports and Policy
Research papers, reports, reviews and guidelines providing a deeper, evidence-based perspective on gambling addiction
Evidence-based discussion of gambling participation within CALD communities in Australia.
Key Organisations
Peak bodies, advocacy groups and other organisations who provide support to help those facing a smoking addiction
Resources, information and support for a diverse range of Australians, to reduce the impact of smoking.
Tools, resources and information to help people understand their smoking habits and choose the best way to quit. Culturally safe advice for LGBTIQ+ and Aboriginal people.
Australian Government website providing information and resources to help individuals to quit smoking.
Consumer Information on Smoking Addiction
Resources to use, together with consumers, to support their needs
Resources to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to cease smoking, to benefit themselves and their communities.
For Health Professionals
Information, resources, and educational programs to assist health professionals to support older people facing smoking addiction
Information for health or community services to support at-risk groups to quit smoking.
Quit’s free online learning training program for health professionals.
Quit Victoria’s free online learning training program for health professionals.
Evidence-based guide for health professionals to aid in supporting smokers to stop.
Reports and Policy
Research papers, reports, reviews and guidelines providing a deeper, evidence-based perspective
