Addiction can affect emotional wellbeing, physical health, relationships, work and everyday functioning. Whether related to alcohol, substances or behavioural patterns, addiction is often connected to underlying emotional distress, trauma, stress or co-occurring mental health conditions.
Understanding addiction and seeking support early may help people access appropriate care pathways and longer-term recovery support.
For many people, addiction is not simply about a substance or behaviour itself. It can also be connected to underlying emotional distress, coping patterns, trauma, stress or other life experiences.
Addiction can affect people differently, and support needs vary from person to person. With the right support and treatment pathway, recovery is possible.
Addiction can involve ongoing alcohol, substance or behavioural use that becomes difficult to control, despite impacts on health, relationships or daily life.
For many people, addiction develops gradually. It may be linked to trauma, stress, anxiety, low mood, emotional dysregulation or other mental health concerns. Addiction can also occur alongside conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD or trauma.
People living with addiction may experience different symptoms, and severity can vary. Common signs may include:
Addiction is often influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, environmental and social factors. These may include:
You do not need to wait until things feel severe or unmanageable to seek support.
It may help to seek professional support if alcohol, substance use or addictive behaviours are:
Seeking support early may help reduce escalation and support long-term recovery.
Treatment pathways depend on individual needs and clinical assessment. Support for addiction may include:
Avive Health provides integrated mental health and addiction care designed to support people experiencing addiction and co-occurring mental health concerns.
Depending on individual needs, support may include:
Our team works closely with patients, families and referrers to help identify the most appropriate level of support.
Recovery often involves ongoing support, connection and practical strategies over time.
If someone you care about is living with addiction, it can help to:
Avive Health provides connected mental health care pathways including inpatient admissions, day programs, psychiatric review and telehealth support.
To learn more or discuss support options:
📞 1800 284 830
✉️ [email protected]
Addiction can involve ongoing alcohol, substance or behavioural use that becomes difficult to control despite impacts on health, relationships or daily life.
Yes. Addiction may occur alongside conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD or complex trauma. This is sometimes referred to as dual diagnosis.
It may help to seek support when alcohol, substance use or addictive behaviours begin affecting emotional wellbeing, relationships, work, daily functioning or physical health.
Support may include psychological therapy, psychiatric review, inpatient care, day programs, trauma-informed therapy, relapse prevention planning and telehealth support.
Avive Health provides integrated mental health and addiction care pathways including inpatient admissions, day programs, psychiatric review and telehealth support.
This article has been developed by Avive Health as general educational information relating to addiction, mental health and support pathways.
This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Individual experiences and treatment pathways vary. Please speak with a qualified health professional about what support may be appropriate for you.
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.