Drug addiction can be treated, but it’s important that the person using drugs seeks help and support to figure next steps, rather than trying to deal with it on their own.
Drug abuse is often associated with illicit drugs such as speed, ice (crystal meth) or heroin, but prescription or over-the-counter medicines can also be abused, as can alcohol.
About 15% of Australians use an illicit drug and about 5% use a pharmaceutical drug for a non-medical purpose every year. More than 40% of Australians over 14 have used an illicit drug in their lifetime, and illicit drugs are used by more than a quarter of people in their 20s each year.
