Recognising drug addiction signs

Here we look at the signs of drug addiction and where to get support.

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Drug use

What is drug addiction?

Drug addiction, sometimes called drug dependence, is when drug use becomes hard to control and continues even though it is causing harm. It can involve illegal drugs or prescription medicines. Over time, regular use can affect your judgement, mood, memory, and decisions, and take a toll on your health, relationships, and daily life.

This article focuses on other drugs. If alcohol or gambling is the main concern, our pages on problem drinking and problem gambling may be more useful.

How do you know if drug use is becoming a problem?

Everyone’s experience is different, but you might notice some of these signs:

Needing more of the drug to get the same effect.
Feeling unwell or unsettled when you have not used for a while.
Getting angry, anxious or irritable when you can’t access drugs.
Feeling strong cravings or urges to use.
Finding it hard to cut back or stop, even when you want to.
Using to get through the day, or to cope with stress, pain or difficult feelings.
Letting work, study, family, or other responsibilities slide.
Pulling away from people, or from things you used to enjoy.
Spending money on drugs that you need for other things.
Hiding your use or playing down how much you take.
Noticing your physical health is getting worse.
Continuing to use even though it is causing problems.

If some of this sounds familiar, you are not alone. Noticing what is going on is a real first step to getting support.

What can lead to drug use

For many people, drug use starts as a way to cope, to dull physical or emotional pain, or to get some relief from a hard situation. There is usually a mix of reasons behind it, which can include:

Wanting to reduce painful feelings or escape difficult memories.
Coping with difficult circumstances, such as financial stress, relationship issues, grief, or significant life changes.
Experiencing trauma.
Dealing with chronic physical pain.
Feeling lonely or disconnected.
Experiencing peer pressure or trying to fit in.

The relief felt tends to be short-lived, and over time, drug use can make things harder. Understanding what is driving your use is a step towards change.

Getting treatment and support

Recovery is possible, and you do not have to work it out on your own. A good place to start is to speak to your GP or another health professional, who can talk through your options without judgement and point you to the right support.

One important note: if you have been using regularly, it can be risky to stop some drugs suddenly. Withdrawal from some substances can be dangerous, so it is safest to make changes with the support of a doctor or an alcohol and other drug professional.

Things you can do right now

Delay the urge. Cravings tend to come in waves and pass. Tell yourself you will wait a short while before acting, and use that time to do something else, like going for a walk, listening to a podcast, cooking a meal, or calling someone.
Limit your access. Keeping drugs out of easy reach and stepping back from situations where you know you will be offered them makes it easier to avoid them.
Reach out. An honest conversation can take some of the weight off. Telling someone you trust that you are struggling is enough to start. You can also speak to a counsellor at MensLine Australia on 1300 78 99 78.

If you suspect you or someone else is having a drug overdose, call 000 immediately for an ambulance.

Reach out for professional support

Health professionals

If you are not sure where to start, you can make an appointment to see your GP. They can assess your situation and advise you on treatment options, such as counselling, therapy, rehabilitation, treatment programs, and support groups.

Your doctor may also refer you to a counsellor or psychologist. According to the Australian Psychological Society, there is a range of psychological treatments that can help people who experience problems with drug use, including [1]

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – helps you change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours that can contribute to drug use and aims to build skills to manage cravings for alcohol and other drugs when they arise.
Motivational interviewing – a technique psychologists use to help people explore their doubts and indecision about making changes to their drug use.
Mindfulness strategies – help you learn to be more accepting of your thoughts and sensations, less overwhelmed and distressed by them, and better able to cope.

National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline

The National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline provides free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drugs, including available treatment options. Call 1800 250 015.

Counselling Online

Counselling Online is a free, confidential service that provides 24/7 support to people affected by alcohol or drug use across Australia.

They provide counselling for people seeking support for the first time, anyone who is in treatment and needs extra support, or anyone who has had a relapse. You can visit their website for online counselling, resources, and to access their community forum.

Service directories

Lifeline Service Finder – search for free or low-cost health and community services in your area.
Healthdirect Service Finder – a comprehensive directory of healthcare professionals, services, and support groups.

Helplines available 24/7

For support, you can call these free helplines:

MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78 (national phone and online counselling service)
National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline: 1800 250 015 (information and support)
Lifeline: 13 11 14 (national crisis service)
13YARN: 13 92 76 (support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)

If drugs are affecting your life, you do not have to face it alone. MensLine Australia is free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call us on 1300 78 99 78 or click the chat button on the right for online counselling.

If it is an emergency, call 000.