Understanding substance misuse

Substances include alcohol, nicotine, prescription and illegal drugs, and even household chemicals like petrol or glue that alter how we feel, think, or act.

Some common substances are:

• Alcohol
• Tobacco and nicotine: Found in cigarettes, vapes, and other smoking products
• Prescription drugs: Like oxycodone, benzodiazepines, and other medications that can be misused
• Illegal drugs: Such as marijuana (weed), cocaine, MDMA (ecstasy), ice/meth, ketamine, and heroin
• Other substances: Petrol, glue, synthetic drugs, and other chemicals that can affect the brain and body.

People use substances for many reasons. Sometimes it's to relax, socialise, or enhance experiences. In Australia, drinking to celebrate is as common as having a morning coffee.

But for some people, substance use can start to have a negative impact on their health, wellbeing, and relationships.

Substance misuse isn’t just about how much you’re using; it’s about how it’s affecting you and those around you.

While it can look different for everyone, you might be experiencing substance misuse if you:

• Find it hard to stop or cut back, even when you want to
• Need more of the substance to feel the same effects
• Experience strong cravings or withdrawal symptoms when you’re not using
• Use substances to cope with emotional or physical pain
• Struggle to meet responsibilities at work, school, or home
• Pull away from activities you used to enjoy
• Take more risks than usual, like drink driving, unprotected sex, or using dirty needles
• Experience conflict with loved ones about your substance use
• Notice changes in your mental health like increased anxiety, paranoia, or distress.

Many people use substances as a way to escape stress, numb pain, or manage difficult emotions. This is a really common human response. Everyone wants to feel better when they’re struggling.

But while substances might bring relief in the short term, over time they can lead to more harm, both physically and emotionally.

Substance misuse is sometimes called:

• Substance abuse
• Substance use disorder
• Addiction.

While not everyone who misuses substances develops an addiction, it can be helpful to understand the cycle of addiction, which is a pattern that can make it hard to stop using.

Click here to read our support guide on understanding and managing addiction.

Because substances like alcohol and prescription medications are widely used, it’s not always easy to know when use becomes misuse. But we do know that:

• 1 in 6 Australians drink at risky levels
• 1 in 10 Australians smoke daily
• 1 in 6 Australians have used illegal drugs in the past year.

These numbers show that many people use substances, often as a way to manage stress, emotions, or difficult life circumstances.

While substances might feel like an easy way to cope, over time they can lead to more harm, making challenges feel even harder to deal with.

If you’re starting to feel like substance use is having a negative impact on your life, you’re not alone, and there are ways to take back control.

Click the links below to:

• Learn practical strategies for managing substance misuse
• Read about addiction and the cycle of addiction
• Find support services near you.

You don’t have to make big changes overnight. Small steps can make a big difference over time.

And if you need to talk, Lifeline is here for you 24/7. You can connect with us via 13 11 14, text, and chat.

Download our substance misuse factsheet.