Addictions

Addictive disorders are complex conditions that can significantly impact your health, relationships and daily life. They are characterised by an uncontrollable use of substances – including alcohol and other drugs – despite the harmful consequences. Although serious, addictions are treatable.

Types of addictive disorders

  • Alcohol use disorder: involves problems controlling drinking, being preoccupied with alcohol, continuing to use alcohol even when it causes problems, or having withdrawal symptoms when not drinking
  • Drug use disorders: can involve the use of illegal drugs or the misuse of prescription medications (such as opioids, benzodiazepines or stimulants), and
  • Nicotine use disorder: dependence on nicotine found in tobacco products, leading to addiction and difficulty quitting despite the desire to stop.

Symptoms of addictive disorders

  • intense cravings for the substance
  • inability to control or reduce use
  • spending a lot of time obtaining, using or recovering from use of the substance
  • neglecting responsibilities at work, school or home
  • continuing use despite social, physical or psychological problems
  • withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance, and
  • building a tolerance and needing more of the substance to achieve the same effect.


Causes and risk factors

Addictions can result from a mixture of genetic, biological, environmental or psychological factors.

Common risk factors include:

  • family history of addictions
  • exposure to substances at an early age
  • high levels of stress or trauma
  • mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, or PTSD, and
  • social or peer pressure.

How can Avive help?

Avive provides integrated mental health care designed for addictive disorders – compassionate, trauma-informed and clinically led.

  • Comprehensive assessment – psychiatric review, medication reconciliation and deprescribing plans, physical and cognitive screening, and risk assessment
  • Foundations inpatient care – usually a 21-day stay to stabilise mood, optimise medications, improve sleep and energy, and build practical coping skills
  • Day programs – 8–12 weeks, small-group therapy one half-day per week to consolidate skills and maintain progress after discharge
  • Assisted therapies – where clinically appropriate, we consider additional therapies within our evidence-informed framework and after specialist review
  • Cloud Clinic telehealth – psychiatry and psychology appointments for those who prefer or require remote care, including regional and carer-constrained patients
  • Family and carer involvement – education and care planning sessions to support recovery at home, with consent.


Admissions, costs and referrals

  • Private health insurance – if you hold hospital cover, your fund may cover most inpatient costs.
  • Mental Health Waiver – for eligible patients upgrading cover, a once-in-a-lifetime psychiatric waiting period waiver may apply.
  • DVA – we welcome DVA Gold/White Card holders.
  • Self-funding – options are available.

Our team can check eligibility and guide you through next steps. Contact us on 1800 284 830 or by emailing [email protected]

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Important information: Substance use and eligibility
Avive Health provides treatment for a range of alcohol and other drug (AOD) concerns. Suitability for admission is assessed individually based on clinical needs, withdrawal risk and the level of care required.
Please note that Avive Health is not currently able to accept patients where methamphetamine (commonly known as ice or crystal meth) or gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is the primary substance requiring detox.
If you are unsure whether you or someone you are referring is suitable for an Avive program, please contact our Intake Team to discuss eligibility and the most appropriate treatment pathway.