Alcohol injuries

Excessive alcohol consumption is a major cause of road and other accidents, violence, crime, liver injury and brain damage.

Read more

ON TRACK with The Right Mix

DVA’s ON TRACK with The Right Mix is a free app to help current and former defence force members track drinking and spending and their impact on wellbeing.

Read more

Is alcohol ever good for you?

Alcohol, according to a recent study, is the most harmful drug in Australia. But can alcohol (wine, in particular) be healthy? Find out here, and get tips on reducing your drinking.

Read more

Wernicke encephalopathy

Wernicke encephalopathy is a type of brain injury, mostly occurring in people who drink a lot of alcohol. If not treated quickly, it can lead to permanent brain damage. Learn more here.

Read more

Binge drinking

Alcohol is so much an accepted part of Australia's social culture that many people are not aware of the dangers of binge drinking.

Read more

Look after yourself this Australia Day

This Australia Day, use these handy and practical tips to ensure you enjoy the sun and snags, while avoiding any alcohol-related misadventure.

Read more

Alcoholism at home

Signs of alcoholism can include secretive drinking, and blacking out after drinking. Drinking too much can impact mental health and relationships.

Read more

How alcohol affects your health

Many of us drink alcohol to relax, but drinking too much can affect your health. Learn more here about the effects of alcohol on your body.

Read more

Alcohol - an overview

Alcohol is a legal but mood-changing drug. Read more about alcohol’s effects on the body, about safe drinking, ‘standard drinks’ and more.

Read more

Hangover ‘cures’

While there are no cures for a hangover, here are tips for avoiding one and for easing the symptoms if you have them.

Read more

Addiction withdrawal symptoms

For someone recovering from a physical or psychological addiction, they may have withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit. Withdrawal symptoms are different for different people and can be mild or severe.

Read more

Substance abuse

Substance use disorders involve using too much alcohol, tobacco or other drugs, and are also known as substance abuse, substance dependence or addictions.

Read more

Top 7 tips for safe drinking

Drinking can be fun, let’s be honest. But too much can lead to accidents, embarrassment and health problems. Follow this advice to drink safely.

Read more

Overcoming addiction

Quitting an addiction doesn't happen overnight - it is a gradual process and may take a few attempts. Rehabilitation will be easier with support to help you deal with withdrawal symptoms and set goals for the future.

Read more

GHB and mental health

GHB is a depressant drug that can feel like alcohol intoxication at first. Risk of overdose is very high. Not a lot is known about the long-term effects of GHB yet, but regular use does lead to dependence.

Read more

What is addiction?

This article describes the types, causes and signs of addiction, and where to get help.

Read more

Do I need antidepressants?

Antidepressant medication can be useful in the treatment of moderate to severe depression and some anxiety related conditions.

Read more

Marijuana and mental health

Long-term marijuana users can become reliant on the drug. If they do try to stop, they may feel anxious, irritable and angry. Marijuana can trigger psychosis in people who are already at risk.

Read more

Cocaine and mental health

Cocaine is a highly addictive drug which can have an adverse affect on the mental health of the user. Long-term use can cause depression, sleep disorder and aggressive behaviour.

Read more

Party drugs

Parties are about having a good time. However, party drugs can impact your mental and physical wellbeing, and many are illegal.

Read more

Drugs, alcohol and mental health

People from all walks of life take and abuse drugs. Research has revealed that around half of all people with a mental illness also have a substance abuse problem.

Read more

Helping someone with ice addiction

There are many services available to people who are addicted to ice. As a carer, it's also important that you look after your own wellbeing while supporting someone else.

Read more

Kava

Kava is a drug made from the roots of a plant in the pepper family. It has traditionally been cultivated by Pacific Islanders for use as a ceremonial drink.

Read more

Inhalants

Inhalants are chemical substances that release fumes or vapours. Some people inhale these fumes to feel high. There is no safe level of inhalant use.

Read more

How to handle a heatwave

Heatwaves can be life threatening, with some groups more at risk than others. Here’s what you need to know about heat-related illness such as heatstroke.

Read more

Ice and mental health

Regular use of ice can lead to a condition known 'ice psychosis', making the user paranoid, aggressive and violent. It can be hard helping a friend or loved one cope with an ice addiction - but there is support available.

Read more

LSD (acid) and mental health

LSD is a powerful drug, people who take LSD do not know if they are going to have a good trip or a bad one, or how intense the trip will be. This is dependent upon their mood and mental state at the time.

Read more

Heroin and mental health

Heroin users are likely to develop mental health problems. Heroin is highly addictive, but there are many treatment options available for heroin users trying to kick the habit.

Read more

Managing your alcohol intake

Know how to drink safely and responsibly using these strategies and tips, as well as links to online tools to help you manage your drinking.

Read more

Cocaine

Cocaine, or 'Coke' as it is commonly known, is a highly addictive drug associated with health issues and other problems. Learn more about its physical effects and the risks associated to cocaine use.

Read more