Substance use disorders

Substance use 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 substance use 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 substance use 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 substance use 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 help@avivehealth.com.au

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