August 26, 2015
Alcohol abuse and tobacco use is a bigger problem and doing more harm than illegal drugs such as ice in Queensland.
The Queensland Mental Health Commission says each year about 4300 Queenslanders die, and more than 65,000 are admitted to hospitals, where alcohol, tobacco and other drug use is involved.
The QHMC has released a discussion paper for a new State-wide action plan.
“While harm from illegal drugs can be significant, tobacco and alcohol are the drugs most used in Queensland and responsible for the most harm,” Mental Health Commissioner Dr Lesley van Schoubroeck said.
“More Queenslanders are drinking alcohol at risky levels than the national average.
“What the figures don’t often show is the terrible harm that problematic alcohol and other drug use can cause to individuals, families and communities.
“Most people are aware that problematic alcohol and drug use can cause death, but less apparent is the impact on physical and mental health and well-being through illness, injury and social isolation.
“Stigma and discrimination can prevent people experiencing problems related to alcohol and drug use from seeking help and treatment.
“Families can be affected by family breakdown, domestic and family violence, child abuse and neglect, and housing issues. “
Smoking accounts for one in seven deaths in the State, with 3700 Queenslanders dying each year from tobacco-related conditions.
In the three years to June 2013, Queensland Ambulance officers treated an increasing number of overdose cases, rising from 8376 to 9616. In just under half of these cases, alcohol was reported as being the primary drug of concern.
“The Action Plan will give us the blueprint for a broad systemic approach, with the flexibility to respond to emerging problems, such as the increasing use of the drug ice, alcohol-fuelled violence or other community concerns,” Dr van Schoubroeck said.
The Commission is consulting on the discussion paper during August and September.
Consultation in regional Queensland will be jointly led by the Commission and the Queensland Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies to seek the views of front line service providers, service users, their families and support persons.
- Feedback can be emailed by September 30, 2015
- Download the Discussion Paper (310kb PDF)
