Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) work refers to services that address the use, misuse and abuse of alcohol and other drugs. AOD work involves a range of activities, such as:
In understanding AOD work, AOD workers should know the following:
Individual practice for AOD work |
Organisational practice for AOD work |
Individual practice for AOD work refers to the activities and approaches that AOD workers use when working with clients experiencing AOD use and addiction-related issues.
Here are some common individual practices for AOD work:
Organisational practice for AOD work
Organisational practice for AOD work refers to the policies, procedures and practices organisations implement to support effective and efficient AOD work delivery.
Here are common organisational practices for AOD work:
staff training and development
evidence-based practices
Collaboration and coordination
Accessibility and equity
The individual and organisational practice of AOD work will give you an idea of what you should do as an AOD worker and expert in your organisation. To effectively perform these tasks, this learner guide will help you build knowledge about AOD work.
In this chapter, the focus is on establishing the context for AOD work. This will include the following discussions:
Alcohol and other drugs (AOD) context refers to factors influencing AOD use. In order for you to know more about the factors influencing AOD, you may access the National Drug Strategy 2017-2026.
The National Drug Strategy (NDS) aims to build safe, healthy and resilient Australian communities by preventing and minimising alcohol, tobacco and other drug-related health, social, cultural and economic harms among individuals, families and communities.
There are four approaches to improve national coordination for identifying and addressing AOD context and problems:
The four approaches will lead to better communication and coordination between the government and stakeholders in the AOD setting, which can lead to more effective identification and addressing of AOD issues.
As mentioned above, there are different factors influencing AOD. Here are the four main factors influencing AOD use:
Social
Economic
Political
Legal
Social factors play a significant role in shaping the AOD context. Social determinants such as education, employment and social support can impact AOD use. Here are examples of why social factor influences AOD context:
According to NDS, there are different social harms of AOD. The following are the social harms mentioned in NDS:
The social harms highlight the need for a comprehensive and collaborative response to address AOD issues, which involves not only individual treatment and support but also broader social and systemic interventions.
The current social context of AOD highlights the importance of a comprehensive and collaborative response that takes on a holistic and inclusive approach that recognises the complex social factors that contribute to AOD use and associated harms.
Economic factors are an important aspect of the AOD context. Economic factors can impact substance use patterns and behaviours in several ways, including:
According to NDS, there are different economic harms caused by AOD. Here are the different economic harms:
The economic harms highlight the significant costs incurred by society and the reinforcement of marginalisation and disadvantage. These costs have a ripple effect on the economy, impacting individuals, families and communities and can lead to long-term economic consequences.
The current economic context affects AOD work by creating challenges in funding and resource allocation, impacting service delivery and accessibility. It can also affect individuals’ access to treatment and support services.
Political factors are an important aspect of the AOD context. Here are some examples of how political factors affect the AOD context:
Political decisions regarding funding for substance use prevention, treatment and recovery can impact access to care and the effectiveness of interventions.
Political discourse and messaging can contribute to social stigma and discrimination against individuals with AOD use issues.
Political leaders and policies can either promote or challenge stigma and discrimination. This can impact access to AOD care and treatment outcomes.
Legal factors can influence the AOD context. Here are some examples of how legal factors influence AOD:
As an AOD worker, you must know and know these different AOD contexts. Knowledge of AOD context refers to a deep understanding of the factors affecting AOD use. It includes a comprehensive understanding of the patterns, behaviours, policies and practices that shape the response to AOD use.
On the other hand, awareness of AOD context refers to the general understanding and recognition of the factors affecting AOD use. This includes understanding the norms and attitudes related to AOD.
You need to know the similarities and differences of knowledge and awareness of AOD use to help you recognise the importance of both specialised knowledge and general awareness in developing effective intervention and support relating to AOD use
The table below shows the similarities and differences in knowledge and awareness of AOD context:
Knowledge and Awareness of AOD Context |
Similarities | Differences |
Both involve understanding and comprehension of the AOD context both are important for making informed decisions and taking effective actions for clients suffering from AOD problems can be gained through research and analysis, training and experience | Knowledge is more in-depth and specialised than awareness. Knowledge involves a deep understanding and expertise in the AOD context awareness refers to a general understanding or recognition of a particular issue or topic related to AOD. Knowledge is often acquired through formal education, while awareness can be gained through exposure to information, personal experience or informal education. |
Current and changing knowledge and awareness of the AOD context
Your knowledge and awareness of the AOD context should be current and emerging. Current and changing knowledge of AOD context refers to the most up-to-date and relevant information and trends related to AOD. This includes:
AOD workers need to stay current with the latest developments in the field to provide effective services. On the other hand, changing knowledge of the AOD context refers to new and developing issues in the field, such as the use of new substances or the changing patterns of AOD use.
To supplement the discussion, here are example situations based on the following:
Current knowledge of AOD context
Current awareness of AOD context
Changing knowledge of AOD context
Changing context on AOD context
When more people are without jobs, there tends to be more drug and alcohol use. This could be because unemployed people have more stress and less access to support and may have more free time.
This change requires updated AOD worker training and knowledge to address new drug use patterns and respond to emerging trends in drug use. Regular training and education can also help workers maintain their own well-being and job satisfaction, which is important for delivering high-quality care
There is an increase in government funding for alcohol and drug treatment services. Government funding for alcohol and drug treatment services in Australia has increased over the years, with a total of $1.2 billion provided in 2019-20. The majority of funding goes towards specialist treatment services, with the Commonwealth playing a significant role in funding the sector.
The increase in funding can lead to improved access to treatment services for those seeking help for drug use and can help support the development and implementation of evidence-based interventions.
The National Drug Strategy 2017-2026 provides a shift towards a more comprehensive approach to AOD policy, focusing on harm reduction and early intervention.
This strategy may lead to changes in funding and policy priorities for AOD services, requiring AOD workers to adapt to new approaches to treatment and support, such as increased focus on harm reduction strategies like safe injection sites, naloxone distribution, and other harm reduction approaches.
Medicinal cannabis is one of the changes in the legal context of AOD. This change introduces medicinal cannabis legislation for certain medical conditions.
This change has opened up new treatment options for people with certain medical conditions and has sparked new research into the potential benefits of cannabis for a range of health issues. However, there are still many legal and regulatory barriers to accessing medicinal cannabis, which can be a challenge for both clients and AOD workers.
Changing awareness of AOD context
The current and changing knowledge and awareness of each AOD factor can greatly affect the AOD context. These are some significant impacts of this knowledge and awareness of AOD context:
Current and changing knowledge and awareness can inform prevention efforts by identifying current and new risk factors and protective factors associated with AOD use. For example, emerging research on the role of social media and technology in AOD use can inform prevention strategies to reduce risks.
Emerging knowledge on AOD shows that social media use is associated with higher rates of AOD use among young adults. Specifically, young adults spending more time on social media platforms are likelier to binge drink and use drugs. This suggests that prevention strategies should limit young adults’ exposure to social media messages that promote or normalise AOD use.
This situation shows how current and changing knowledge and awareness of AOD use can design and develop new preventive measures for AOD use.
Current and changing knowledge and awareness can inform the development of evidence-based and effective treatment approaches for people with AOD problems. For example, creating awareness that people have different identities and experiences can help create a better treatment for those struggling with AOD. This ensures that everyone gets the help they need, no matter who they are or where they come from.
This also encourages personalised treatment depending on the individual’s needs, identities and experiences.
The current and changing knowledge and awareness of AOD use can develop or modify new treatments, including interventions and support services.
Current and changing knowledge and awareness can inform the development of policies and legal frameworks that support effective and equitable AOD prevention and treatment. For example, emerging knowledge on the effectiveness of harm reduction approaches can inform the development of policies prioritising harm reduction over criminalisation.
Current and changing knowledge and awareness can impact policymakers to create more effective policies or modify existing ones.
As an AOD worker, you must be aware of the social, cultural, economic, political and legal updates about AOD. This knowledge and awareness should also be put into practice. There are several ways to be updated with current and changing knowledge and awareness in AOD and to use it in practice. These several ways are:
AOD work is a field that requires a balance between current and changing knowledge and awareness of different AOD contexts. On the one hand, AOD workers need a strong foundation in the current knowledge of substance use disorders, addiction treatment and evidence-based practices. This includes understanding the medical and psychological aspects of addiction, the different types of treatments available and how to develop effective treatment plans that address each client’s unique needs.
On the other hand, AOD work is a constantly changing field, and workers need to be adaptable and open to new ideas and approaches. This includes being aware of emerging trends in substance use, such as new drugs or changes in patterns of use, as well as new treatments and therapies that may be more effective than current practices. AOD workers should also be aware of changes in societal attitudes towards addiction and how they may impact their work with clients.
Research plays a critical role in helping AOD workers stay current with the latest knowledge in the field while also being open to changes and new developments. Research on the social, cultural, economic, political and legal sectors is the first way to know current and changing knowledge and awareness of AOD. Research means conducting a systematic and comprehensive review of current knowledge, emerging trends and issues related to AOD.
AOD workers should research current and changing knowledge and awareness to achieve the following:
Improve client outcomes | Keep pace with changing trends | Identify gaps in knowledge |
The way people do research is often a cycle. This means that when they find answers to some questions, they might come up with new questions to research, so an AOD worker must be flexible and able to change plans if needed. AOD workers need to keep collecting and studying new information to stay up-to-date. Generally, building awareness and keeping up-to-date with changing and current information follows these three major steps, which will all be discussed in the three sub-sections in Chapter 1.
While the research process is generally the same for each of the social, cultural, economic, political and legal contexts, the specific steps and methods used may vary depending on the nature of the research question and the data being analysed.
However, regardless of the specific methods used, the overall goal of research in AOD is to stay updated on current and changing knowledge and to develop evidence-based interventions and policies that improve the lives of individuals and communities affected by substance use disorders.
The common steps when researching for current and changing knowledge and awareness of the AOD context can be broken down into the following steps:
Identify the research question
Conduct a literature review
Engage with stakeholders
AOD workers need to identify the specific question to be answered through research. For example, they may want to know how economic factors impact access to AOD treatment. Other possible research questions that could be explored within each of the AOD contexts may include:
AOD Context | Example research questions that could be explored |
SOCIAL | 1. What are the social factors that contribute to AOD use and addiction? 2. How do cultural beliefs and values influence AOD use and treatment? 3. What are the impacts of social stigma and discrimination on individuals with AOD use disorders? |
POLITICAL | 1. How do political decisions and policies affect AOD use and treatment? 2. What is the impact of drug policies on marginalised populations? 3. What are the factors that shape drug policy at the national and international levels? |
ECONOMIC | 1. What is the economic impact of AOD use and addiction on individuals and communities? 2. How do socioeconomic factors influence AOD use and treatment? 3. What are the costs and benefits of different AOD treatment approaches |
LEGAL | 1. How do drug laws and regulations affect AOD use and treatment? 2. What are the legal barriers to accessing AOD treatment? 3. How do legal frameworks shape drug policy and treatment approaches? |
AOD workers should conduct a thorough review of the existing literature related to their research question.
This involves reviewing academic literature to identify current and emerging research findings and trends related to AOD use and related issues.
Some examples of academic literature are:
This academic literature will give you the latest updates on AOD-related knowledge, trends or even issues.
Here are several resources where you can access academic literature:
Trove is Australia’s National Digital Library, which provides access to many resources. Trove also includes a search function that allows users to search across library collections in Australia.
NDARC is an Australian research institution that explores complex AOD issues. They produce diverse publications, including research reports, policy briefs and newsletters that offer valuable insights on AOD trends and topics.
Staying informed with NDARC’s latest findings helps you understand AOD complexities and is up-to-date.
AIHW is a national agency that provides information and statistics on health and welfare issues in Australia, including drug and alcohol use.
The National Drug Strategy is a framework that guides Australia’s response to drug and alcohol use. The National Drug Strategy website provides up-to-date information on the latest trends and issues related to AOD use.
In conducting a literature review, your job is to gather and collect information from academic literature from reliable resources. The literature that an AOD worker might access for a literature review will depend on the specific research question they are trying to answer, as stated above. However, here are some examples of relevant literature sources for each of the AOD contexts:
AOD Context | Example relevant literature sources to access |
SOCIAL | I. Research studies on the social determinants of health and AOD use ii. Studies on the impact of social norms and peer pressure on AOD use and addiction iii. Studies on the effectiveness of interventions for overcoming social barriers to accessing AOD treatment |
POLITICAL | I. Academic articles and reports on drug policy at the national and international levels ii. Studies on the effectiveness of advocacy and lobbying efforts for promoting evidence-based drug policies iii. Reports on the implementation of drug policies and programs at the local, regional, and national levels |
ECONOMIC | I. Studies on the relationship between socioeconomic factors and AOD use and treatment ii. Articles on the costs and benefits of different AOD treatment approaches iii. Studies on the cost-effectiveness of different AOD prevention and treatment strategies |
LEGAL | I. Academic articles and reports on drug laws and regulations at the national and international levels ii. Articles on the ethical and legal considerations in AOD treatment and research iii. Reports on the implementation of legal frameworks for AOD treatment and prevention at the local, regional, and national levels |
This step involves engaging stakeholders to gather perspectives and insights on current and changing AOD knowledge and awareness. Here are some examples of stakeholders an AOD worker may engage with when researching changing and current knowledge and awareness of AOD contexts:
AOD Context | Examples of relevant literature sources to access |
SOCIAL. | People who use drugs and their families and communities Social service providers such as housing, employment and education organisations Community groups and organisations advocating for drug policy reform and harm reduction Peer support groups and mutual aid organisations |
POLITICAL | Government departments and agencies responsible for drug policy and regulation Advocacy groups and organisations for drug policy reform and harm reduction Organisations and industry groups representing healthcare providers, researchers and other stakeholders |
ECONOMIC | Business and industry groups impacted by AOD use, such as hospitality sectors Health insurers and providers, including public and private hospitals and clinics Employers and organisations concerned about workplace health and safety |
LEGAL | Law enforcement agencies and officers responsible for enforcing drug laws and regulations Legal aid and advocacy organisations providing support and representation to people who use drugs Criminal justice and correctional organisations and professionals working with people who use AOD Community groups and organisations advocating for drug policy reform and harm reduction from a legal perspective |
Conducting literature reviews and engaging with stakeholders can help AOD workers develop a more detailed and informed understanding of the current and emerging AOD use, treatment and prevention. This understanding can increase work effectiveness, resulting in better client services.
You can draw on various resources to gain insight into these contexts and should strive to incorporate multiple perspectives and voices in the research.
Ultimately, researching AOD contexts is important because the social, political, economic and legal contexts shape attitudes and policies around AOD use. These contexts significantly impact:
The availability of AOD services
How substance use is perceived and stigmatised
How policies and regulations are developed and implemented
After collecting information through research, the next step is to analyse the collected information from the social, cultural, economic, political and legal sectors and how it contributes to the AOD context.
Analyse involves systematically examining and interpreting information related to AOD. This can help AOD workers better understand the complex and evolving nature of AOD use and develop effective prevention and treatment strategies.
These are some methods that you can follow to analyse current and changing knowledge and be aware of the AOD context:
Data Analysis.
Policy Analysis
Environmental Scanning
Data analysis examines and interprets data to conclude, identify patterns and derive insights. The following are the general steps when conducting data analysis:
Policy analysis examines policies and their implementation to determine their effectiveness. It also identifies areas for improvement and makes recommendations for future policy development. Policy analysis may involve reviewing and analysing existing AOD use, treatment and policies.
Here are the general steps that AOD workers can follow when conducting policy analysis:
Environmental scanning systematically gathers and analyses information about the external environment to identify trends, changes and potential opportunities or threats.
Here are the general steps that AOD workers can follow when conducting environmental planning:
Identifying patterns or trends
Examining relationships between variables
Drawing conclusions based on the collected information.
By following these three analysis methods, you can understand and make meaning from the current and changing information about AOD. Your comprehension can help you perform more effectively in work.
Various methods can be used when analysing AOD in different contexts, depending on the context. Here are some examples:
Social context:
when analysing the social context of AOD, qualitative research methods such as interviews, focus groups and participant observation are most suitable. These methods can help to uncover social norms and attitudes towards AOD use, as well as the social factors that contribute to AOD use, such as peer pressure, family dynamics and cultural values.
Political context:
When analysing the political context of AOD, it is necessary to use quantitative research methods such as surveys or statistical analysis of existing data. This can help to understand the political factors that contribute to AOD use, such as government policies and regulations on drug use, funding for treatment programs and the availability of harm reduction services.
Economic context:
When analysing the economic context of AOD, qualitative and quantitative research methods can be used. Qualitative research methods can help understand the economic factors contributing to AOD use, such as poverty, unemployment and lack of access to resources. Quantitative methods such as statistical analysis can help to identify economic trends and patterns related to AOD use.
Legal context:
When analysing the legal context of AOD, legal research methods such as case law analysis, legislative review and legal scholarship are most suitable. This can help to understand the legal factors that contribute to AOD use, such as drug laws and sentencing policies, as well as the impact of legal interventions, such as drug courts and diversion programs.
There may be differences in analysing the social, political, economic and legal contexts of AOD. For example, a social analysis may focus more on understanding individual behaviour and attitudes, while a political analysis may focus more on understanding institutional policies and practices. Economic analysis may concentrate more on understanding the financial incentives and resources that shape AOD use. In contrast, a legal analysis may focus more on understanding the regulatory frameworks that govern AOD use.
When maintaining social, political, economic and legal contexts of AOD, it is important to consider the ethical and legal considerations that may be relevant to each context. For example, maintaining confidentiality and privacy is critical when analysing social contexts, while ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks is significant when analysing legal contexts. It is also fundamental to ensure that any conclusions or recommendations drawn from the analysis are evidence-based and aligned with ethical principles.
Maintaining current and changing knowledge and awareness of the AOD context involves staying up-to-date with the latest research, policies and practices related to AOD use. This can help AOD workers to provide effective prevention and treatment services and respond to emerging issues and trends in the field.
There are several ways or methods that AOD workers can use to maintain current and changing knowledge and awareness of the AOD context. These include:
Maintaining current and changing knowledge and awareness of the AOD context involves a commitment to ongoing learning and development. AOD workers can use a range of methods to stay up-to-date with the latest research, policies, and practices on AOD. By doing this, they will improve their knowledge to provide effective prevention and services.
AOD workers can maintain up-to-date knowledge and awareness of the different AOD contexts enumerated through various strategies. Here are some examples for each context:
AOD Context | Example relevant literature sources to access |
---|---|
Social | Regularly engage with people who use drugs and their families and communities to stay informed of their experiences and perspectives up-to-date with news and developments in the media related to drug policy, social issues and harm reductionParticipate in peer support and supervision groups to share knowledge and best practices with colleagues |
Political | Monitor government and political party websites and social media channels for updates on drug policy and regulations with advocacy organisations and professional associations to stay informed of emerging trends and best practices in AOD policy and practice |
Economic | Attend conferences, seminars and other professional development opportunities to learn about the economic impacts of AOD use regularly review relevant economic reports and research studies to stay up-to-date on trends and developments related to AOD use and collaborate with employers and industry groups to develop workplace health and safety policies related to AOD use |
Legal | Attend legal training and professional development opportunities to stay informed of relevant drug laws and regulations review legal cases and precedents related to drug use and policy engage with legal aid and advocacy organisations to learn about emerging legal trends and best practices |
Checkpoint! Let’s Review
In Subchapter 1.1, you learnt that AOD workers should know the factors affecting the AOD context. These factors are:
This subchapter will focus on two factors which are political and legal. This subchapter will cover the impacts of policy frameworks on AOD work practice.
AOD policy frameworks refer to a document specifying guidelines for creating policies relevant to AOD. Policy frameworks are important because of the following reasons:
AOD workers should refer to AOD policy frameworks when making work-related decisions. AOD workers can access these frameworks from a variety of sources, including:
These policy frameworks can be classified into two:
Policy frameworks on AOD legal considerations
Policy frameworks on AOD ethical considerations
Policy frameworks for legal considerations refer to set guidelines, regulations and laws that govern the use, possession and distribution of AOD in a given jurisdiction. These policy frameworks ensure that AOD use is safe, legal, and compliant with relevant legislation.
While policy frameworks on AOD ethical considerations refer to the set of guidelines and principles that inform ethical decision-making in AOD use, these policy frameworks promote ethical and responsible behaviour among AOD workers. This ensures that individuals and families affected by substance use receive respectful, non-judgmental care and support.
AOD workers should know about this policy framework to provide clear guidance on the legal and ethical issues related to AOD use. This helps workers understand their responsibilities and obligations and ensures that they work within the boundaries of the law and ethical principles.
This subchapter will help you establish knowledge of the following:
Policy frameworks on legal considerations are guidelines, laws and regulations to determine the legal use, possession and distribution of AOD in a given place. There are common policy frameworks on legal considerations that AOD workers should familiarise. These frameworks are classified into:
International policy frameworks on legal considerations
International policy frameworks on legal considerations are a set of frameworks that are recognised and practised at the international level. Countries worldwide should consider the following frameworks when working on AOD-related tasks.
Here are common international policy frameworks on legal considerations:
International Policy Framework on Legal Considerations
Policy Framework | Relevance of Framework in AOD | Link |
Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol | This policy framework is developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to reduce the harmful use of alcohol by: Strengthening health systems Establishing effective policies and regulation A service or organisation in the AOD sector can partner with the local government, health services, and community groups to develop and implement targeted prevention and intervention programs towards the harmful use of alcohol. In connection with ethical considerations, this can be implemented in the AOD work practice by using screening and assessment tools that are validated for the specific population they are working with, and incorporating harm reduction strategies into their practice. | Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol |
World Health Organisation (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control | This convention provides a global framework for reducing tobacco use and its related health and economic consequences. It covers a range of issues related to tobacco use, including advertising and promotion, taxation and smoke-free policies | WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control |
National policy frameworks on legal considerations
National policy frameworks on legal considerations refer to guidelines and regulations at the national level that govern AOD use in Australia. Here are common international policy frameworks on legal considerations:
National Policy Framework on Legal Considerations
Policy Framework | Relevance of Framework in AOD | Link |
National Drug Strategy 2017-2026 | This is a national framework for addressing AOD issues in Australia. It includes the following four pillars: 1. Drug demand reduction 2. Drug supply reduction 3. Harm reduction caused by drugs 4. Partnerships to reduce drug use A service or organisation in the AOD sector can partner with the local government, health services, and community groups to develop and implement targeted prevention and intervention programs towards the harmful use of alcohol. In connection with ethical considerations, this can be applied in AOD work practice by providing harm reduction services to people who have AOD use issues | National Drug Strategy 2017-2026 |
National Alcohol Strategy | This is a national framework for reducing the harm caused by alcohol use in Australia. It includes a range of initiatives, including: 1. Reducing alcohol-related violence 2. Improving the availability of treatment and support services. | National Alcohol Strategy |
State/territory policy frameworks on legal considerations
State/territory policy frameworks on legal considerations refer to a set of guidelines and regulations at the state or territory level that govern the AOD use within that jurisdiction. Here are common examples of policy frameworks for each state/territory:
State/Territory Policy Framework on Legal Considerations
State/Territory | Policy Framework | Link |
New South Wales (NSW) | The NSW Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy Framework guide alcohol and other drug policy in NSW, with a focus on harm reduction, prevention and treatment. | NSW Alcohol and other drugs |
Victoria | The Victorian Drug Policy 2020-2025 outlines Victoria’s police approach to minimise the impact of drugs in the community while improving the health and safety of Victorians. | Victoria Drug Strategy |
Queensland | The Queensland Drug Education and Intervention offers guidelines and principles on the implementation of drug and intervention programs for schools in Queensland | Queensland Drug Education and Intervention |
Western Australia (WA) | The Western Australian Alcohol and Drug Interagency Strategy 2018-2022 outlines the approach to legal considerations on alcohol regulation and other drugs. | Western Australia Alcohol and Drug Interagency |
State/Territory Policy Framework on Legal Considerations
State/Territory | Policy Framework | Link |
South Australia (SA) | The South Australia Alcohol and Drug Strategy 2017-2021 offers evidence-based solutions to reduce the harm of alcohol and other drug problems. It also provides a framework for a coordinated government response. | SA Alcohol and Other Drug Strategy 2017-2021 |
Tasmania | The Tasmanian Alcohol and Drug Strategy 2023-2028 aims to promote a healthy lifestyle by encouraging responsible decisions regarding AOD use. | Tasmanian Drug Strategy |
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | The ACT Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug (ATOD) Strategy 2022-2026 aims to ensure that treatment of tobacco and drugs is accessible, implement changes to the current system to protect people from the harm of ATOD and reduce the number of cases involved in criminal cases due to ATOD | ACT Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug Strategy |
Local policy frameworks on legal considerations
Local policy frameworks on legal considerations are intended to complement and implement national and state/territory policies and address specific local issues and concerns related to alcohol and drug use. They are usually developed with local stakeholders, such as police and community groups.
You can check on your local community to determine the active and relevant local frameworks. However, here are some examples of local frameworks and where you can access them:
Local Policy Framework on Legal Considerations
Local place | Policy framework | Link |
City of Sydney | The policy framework of the Sydney lockout laws aimed to reduce alcohol-related violence, harm and anti-social behaviour in the CBD and Kings Cross areas of Sydney. | Sydney Lockout Laws |
City of Perth | The City of Perth has a Safe City program, which aims to create a safer and more secure environment for residents, workers, and visitors. The program includes initiatives such as the StreetWatch program, which involves trained volunteers patrolling the streets to promote safety and prevent crime, including alcohol and drug-related incidents. | Perth SafeCity Plan |
Aside from policy frameworks for legal considerations, AOD support workers should also be familiar with policy frameworks on ethical considerations.
Policy frameworks on ethical considerations refer to guidelines and principles that provide a framework for ethical decision-making in AOD. These frameworks are intended to help AOD support workers, and organisations manage situations that include ethical problems and AOD use. This allows AOD support workers to know what values and principles should be used in decision-making. These frameworks ensure that AOD support workers act ethically and with integrity.
Just like in policy framework on legal considerations, policy framework on ethical considerations can be classified to, which are:
International policy framework on ethical considerations
International policy frameworks on ethical considerations refer to the guidelines and principles established by international organisations and agencies to ensure that the treatment and care of individuals affected by AOD use are conducted ethically. Here are some international policy frameworks on ethical considerations:
International Policy Framework on Ethical Considerations
Policy Framework | Relevance of Framework in AOD | Link |
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) International Standards on Drug Use Prevention | These standards guide ethical considerations related to drug use prevention efforts, including respect for human rights and non-discrimination. | United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) International Standards on Drug Use Prevention |
International Code of Ethics for Alcohol and Drug Professionals | This code provides ethical guidelines for professionals working in the field of AOD treatment and support, including the principles of informed consent, confidentiality and non-discrimination | International Code of Ethics for Alcohol and Drug Professionals |
National policy framework on ethical considerations
National policy frameworks on ethical considerations refer to the documents and guidelines developed at the national level that provide AOD support workers guidance on ethical considerations in the AOD sector. Here are examples of national policy frameworks on ethical considerations:
National Policy Framework on Ethical Considerations
Policy Framework | Relevance of Framework in AOD | Link |
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Drug Strategy | This framework recognises the unique cultural and historical context of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia and the impact of colonization on their health and well-being. This strategy is based on self-determination and cultural safety principles to address AOD use. | The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Drug Strategy |
National Clinical Guidelines for the Management of Alcohol Use Disorder in Primary Care | This framework includes ethical principles and considerations in its guidelines for healthcare professionals. These guidelines were developed by the Australian Government’s Department of Health and provided evidence-based recommendations for assessing, diagnosing and managing AOD use in primary care settings. | National Clinical Guidelines for the Management of Alcohol Use Disorder in Primary Care |
State/territory policy framework on ethical considerations
State/territory policy framework on ethical considerations refers to guidelines and principles governing ethical behaviour and decision-making in AOD use. These policy frameworks are developed at the state/territory level and may vary in scope and detail depending on the specific jurisdiction and the needs of the local population. Here are examples of state/territory policy frameworks on ethical considerations:
State/Territory Policy Framework on Ethical Considerations
State/Territory | Policy Framework | Link |
New South Wales (NSW) | NSW Health Ethics Framework outlines ethical principles and values that guide decision-making and practice in the healthcare system, including AOD treatment and support. The framework includes a section specifically on AOD issues, emphasising the importance of respecting the autonomy and dignity of individuals with AOD issues. | NSW Health Ethics Framework |
Victoria | Victorian Opioid Management Guidelines guide healthcare professionals on the safe and ethical management of opioid use in treating chronic pain. | Victorian Opioid Management Guidelines |
Queensland | Queensland Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Strategic Plan outlines a framework for the delivery of mental health, drug, and alcohol services in Queensland, with a strong emphasis on ethical considerations | Queensland Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Strategic Plan |
State/Territory Policy Framework on Ethical Considerations
State/Territory | Policy Framework | Link |
Western Australia (WA) | WA Alcohol and Drug Interagency Strategy outlines the vision and priorities for alcohol and drug issues in Western Australia and emphasises the importance of addressing these issues in a way consistent with ethical principles and values. | WA Alcohol and Drug Interagency Strategy 2018-2022 |
South Australia (SA) | South Australian Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Substance Use guide health professionals on approaching substance use treatment ethically and culturally appropriate. | South Australian Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Substance Use |
Tasmania | The Tasmania Drug Education Framework provides guidelines for drug education in schools. It emphasises the importance of ethical considerations such as cultural sensitivity, inclusion and diversity, and harm minimisation. | Tasmania Drug Education |
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | The ACT Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug (ATOD) Strategy 2022-2026 emphasises the importance of ethical considerations in addressing drug-related harms and promoting health and wellbeing in the ACT community. | ACT Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug Strategy |
Local policy frameworks on ethical considerations
Local policy frameworks on ethical considerations refer to guidelines and regulations set by local governments, councils or health services to ensure ethical and professional conduct in providing AOD services. These frameworks promote a safe and supportive environment for clients, workers and the wider community while upholding ethical principles. Here are some examples of local policy frameworks on ethical considerations:
Local Policy Framework on Legal Considerations |
Local places | Policy framework | Link |
Inner West Council | The Alcohol Management policy of Inner West Council aims to reduce alcohol-related harms in the Inner West area of Sydney through a range of strategies, including limiting the availability of alcohol, promoting safe and responsible consumption and supporting people affected by alcohol-related issues. | Alcohol-free zones |
City of Melbourne | The Drug Policy Framework and Action Plan aim to promote the safe and responsible use of drugs in the City of Melbourne. The framework recognises that drug use is a complex issue and that the City of Melbourne has a role in supporting individuals, communities and service providers to address drug-related harms compassionately and ethically. | Drug Policy Framework |
To align policies, procedures, guidelines, practices and operations with international, national, state/territory and local policy frameworks, organisations should consider the following:
Conduct a policy review | Organisations should comprehensively review their policies, procedures and guidelines to ensure they align with the relevant policy frameworks. This review should be done regularly, and any necessary changes should be made promptly. |
Ensure understanding of relevant laws and regulations | Staff should be trained on the laws and regulations governing the alcohol and other drugs sector. This training should include understanding the international, national, state/territory and local policy frameworks. |
Seek expert advice | Organisations should seek expert advice from legal professionals, industry associations, and regulatory bodies to ensure their policies, procedures, guidelines, practices and operations are aligned with the relevant policy frameworks. |
Participate in industry associations | Organisations should participate in industry associations to stay up to date with the latest policies and regulations that govern the sector. |
Collaborate with relevant government agencies | Organisations should collaborate with relevant government agencies to ensure their policies, procedures, guidelines, practices and operations are aligned with the applicable policy frameworks. |
Monitor and evaluate compliance regularly | Organisations should periodically monitor and evaluate their compliance with relevant policy frameworks. This evaluation should be done through audits, reviews and stakeholder feedback. |
improve continuously | Organisations should constantly improve their policies, procedures, guidelines, practices and operations to align with the relevant policy frameworks. This improvement should be based on stakeholder feedback and ongoing monitoring and evaluation. |
To ensure that an organisation follows the right rules and laws, they need to do some important things. They should check their policies, procedures, guidelines, and practices to ensure they match the country’s laws and rules. They must also teach their staff the laws and rules so everyone understands them. It is a good idea to ask experts for help and to join industry associations. They should regularly check if they are following the laws and rules and always try to improve their ways of doing things.
As an AOD support worker, aligning individual practices with the international, national, state/territory and local policy frameworks is crucial to ensure that you provide ethical and legal services to your clients. Some ways in which AOD workers can align their practices with policy frameworks are:
Staying Informed: |
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AOD support workers should remain knowledgeable about the latest policy frameworks that govern the alcohol and other drugs sector. They should regularly read industry publications, attend training and conferences and seek guidance from professional associations. |
Seeking supervision |
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AOD support workers should seek supervision from a qualified supervisor to ensure their practices align with the relevant policy frameworks. Supervision helps identify areas for improvement, provide feedback and ensure that ethical and legal standards are met. |
Avoiding conflicts of interest |
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AOD support workers should avoid conflicts of interest that could compromise their ability to provide ethical and legal services. They should disclose conflicts of interest to their clients and colleagues and take appropriate steps to manage them. |
Following ethical and legal standards |
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AOD support workers should adhere to ethical and legal standards that govern the alcohol and other drugs sector. This includes maintaining confidentiality, obtaining informed consent and reporting suspected abuse or neglect. |
Engaging in professional development |
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AOD support workers should engage in ongoing professional development to keep their knowledge and skills up-to-date. This can include attending training and conferences, reading industry publications and participating in peer supervision and mentoring |
Consulting with colleagues |
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AOD support workers should consult with colleagues when making decisions that may have ethical or legal implications. This can help ensure that their practices align with relevant policy frameworks and that they provide the best possible care to their clients. |
In conclusion, AOD support workers can align their practices with the international, national, state/territory and local policy frameworks by staying informed, seeking supervision, avoiding conflicts of interest, following ethical and legal standards, engaging in professional development and consulting with colleagues. These practices ensure that AOD support workers provide ethical and legal services to their clients and uphold their profession’s standards.
Policy frameworks have impacts on AOD work practice. The impacts of policy frameworks refer to the effects or outcomes of the policy frameworks on the individual and organisational AOD work practice.
AOD work practice refers to the support and assistance of AOD support workers to clients affected by AOD use. Work practices include the following:
Work knowledge
Work skills
Work approaches
Work knowledge refers to the theoretical and practical knowledge required to support AOD clients effectively. Here is some AOD work practice knowledge that you should know:
Understanding the effects of drugs and alcohol
Knowledge of evidence-based treatment interventions
Understanding of harm reduction principles
Knowledge of co-occurring mental health disorders
Understanding of cultural diversity
AOD support workers must understand the effects of various drugs and alcohol on individuals’ bodies, minds and behaviours. This knowledge is important for assessing, screening and identifying appropriate client interventions.
AOD support workers need to know strongly about evidence-based treatment interventions for substance use disorders. This includes knowledge of behavioural therapies, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing (MI).
AOD support workers must be familiar with harm reduction principles and strategies, such as needle and syringe programs, safe injecting facilities and overdose prevention interventions. This knowledge is important for reducing the harms associated with substance use and promoting safer drug use practices.
Many individuals affected by ADOD use also have co-occurring mental health disorders. AOD support workers must know the signs and symptoms of common mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
AOD support workers need to have an understanding of cultural diversity and the impact that culture can have on substance use and treatment outcomes. This knowledge is important for providing culturally responsive care and addressing diverse populations’ unique needs and challenges.
Work skills refer to the practical abilities and competencies needed to support AOD clients effectively. These are the examples of AOD work practice skills:
AOD support workers need to be skilled in conducting comprehensive assessments and screenings of individuals who may use AOD. This may include the following:
AOD support workers need to be skilled in case management, which involves coordinating services and resources to meet the needs of individuals who affect AOD use. This may include the following:
AOD support workers need to be skilled in interviewing techniques to support behaviour change among clients. One interviewing technique is the ‘Motivational Interviewing (MI)’ technique. This technique explores and resolves AOD use while promoting motivation to change.
AOD support workers may lead or co-facilitate group therapy sessions, support groups or educational workshops. They must be skilled in creating a safe and supportive environment for group members, promoting engagement and participation and managing group dynamics to provide the best service for clients affected by AOD use.
AOD work approaches refer to workers’ methods and strategies to support individuals and communities affected by substance use. These approaches aim to achieve the following:
These are examples of AOD work approaches:
Medical mode |
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This approach views addiction as a disease and focuses on treating biological and physiological causes. |
Behavioural mode |
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This approach focuses on changing problematic behaviour associated with addiction, such as using positive reinforcement to encourage sobriety or cognitive-behavioural techniques to help clients identify and manage triggers for substance use. |
Harm reduction model |
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This approach focuses on reducing the negative consequences of substance use, such as an overdose or HIV transmission, without requiring abstinence. |
Family system models |
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This approach recognises that addiction affects individuals, their families and support systems. Treatment may involve working with family members to develop healthy coping strategies and communication skills. |
Aside from work knowledge, skills and approaches, work knowledge can also be classified as individual practice and organisation practice. As discussed in the Chapter 1 introduction, individual practice for AOD work refers to the activities and approaches that AOD support workers use when working with AOD clients. The discussion also includes four common individual practices for AOD work. These individual practices are:
Organisational practice for AOD work refers to the policies, procedures and practices that organisations implement to support effective and efficient AOD work delivery. These are the common organisational practices that are related to AOD use:
Impacts of policy frameworks on AOD work practice
As previously discussed, policy frameworks can impact the AOD work practice. AOD support workers should be knowledgeable of how policy frameworks can affect their practice and how these frameworks can shape their organisational practice. Here are the common impacts of policy framework on AOD work practice:
Standards and guidelines
Funding resources
Accountability and reporting
Collaboration & partnership
Research impacts of policy frameworks on AOD work practice
As AOD support workers, you need to know how to research the impacts of policy framework on AOD work practice. This skill can help you be more updated on the impacts of a policy framework and how it can affect you and the organisation to ensure quality service to clients.
Here are general steps that you can follow when researching the impacts of policy frameworks on AOD work practice:
Identify the relevant AOD policy frameworks
review the policy frameworks
Identify the key areas of impact
Identify the gaps and challenges
Consult with stakeholders
The first step is to identify the international, national, state/territory or local policy framework that is relevant to your work practice. These frameworks can be accessed through government websites or relevant professional organisations.
Once the policy frameworks have been identified, AOD support workers should review them carefully to understand their goals, objectives and key provisions. This can involve reading the policy documents, attending training sessions or webinars or consulting with colleagues who are familiar with the frameworks.
AOD support workers should identify the key areas of impact that the policy frameworks have on their work practice. For example, a policy framework may require AOD workers to undertake regular training on cultural safety or require the implementation of evidence-based interventions. These impacts may vary depending on the specific policy framework.
AOD support workers should also identify any gaps or challenges in the policy frameworks that may impact their work practice. For example, a policy framework may not adequately address the needs of a specific population or may not provide adequate funding or resources for certain interventions.
AOD support workers should consult with relevant stakeholders, including clients, community members and other professionals, to understand how the policy frameworks impact their work practice. This can involve conducting surveys, focus groups or one-on-one interviews
The collected information during the research must be analysed. Analysing the impacts of AOD policy frameworks on AOD work practice refers to the process of evaluating and interpreting the findings of the research conducted by AOD support workers. In this process, AOD support workers examine the effects of the policy frameworks on their work practices. This is followed by identifying areas where improvements can be made to better align with the policy objectives.
Here are the general steps in analysing the impacts of policy frameworks on work practice:
Identify the policy framework.
Determine the goals and objectives of the policy framework
Identify the specific areas of the AOD work practice that are impacted
Analyse the impact of the policy framework on the identified areas of the work practice
Identify any challenges or opportunities resulting from the impact of the policy framework
Develop strategies to address challenges and take advantage of opportunities
The first step is to identify the specific AOD policy framework that is relevant to the AOD work practice being analysed. This could be a national, state, or local policy framework. For example, the AOD support worker is analysing the impact of the National Drug Strategy on their work practice.
The AOD support worker should then determine the goals and objectives of the policy framework to understand what it is intended to achieve. For example, The National Drug Strategy aims to reduce the harms associated with drug use and improve health and social outcomes.
The AOD support worker should then identify the specific areas of their work practice impacted by the policy framework. For example, the AOD support worker identifies that the National Drug Strategy impacts their work in providing harm reduction interventions and treatment services.
The AOD support worker should then analyse how the policy framework impacts the identified areas of their work practice. This could involve looking at changes in funding and resources. For example, the AOD support worker analyses how the National Drug Strategy has impacted their work practice regarding funding for harm reduction interventions and treatment services.
The AOD support worker should then identify any challenges or opportunities resulting from the impact of the policy framework on their work practice. For example, The AOD support worker identifies that the increased focus on evidence-based practices resulting from the National Drug Strategy presents an opportunity to incorporate new and effective interventions into their work. However, they also identify that funding and service delivery model changes may present challenges in implementing these interventions.
6. Develop strategies to address challenges and take advantage of opportunities
Based on their analysis, the AOD support worker should develop strategies to address any challenges and take advantage of any opportunities resulting from the impact of the policy framework on their work practice. For example, The AOD support worker develops a strategy to seek additional funding and resources to implement new evidence-based interventions. They also work with their team to develop a plan to adjust their service delivery model to align with the National Drug Strategy.
Overall, analysing the impacts of AOD policy frameworks on AOD work practice is an important step for AOD support workers to ensure that they provide the most effective services to their clients.
Checkpoint! Let’s Review AOD policy frameworks refer to a document specifying guidelines for creating policies relevant to AODWork practice is composed of the following: Work knowledge skills approach impacts of AOD policy frameworks on work practice are the following: Standards and guidelines funding resources Accountability and reportingCollaboration and partnership |
In the previous subchapters, you learnt about different ways to establish work context for AOD work. These ways are:
For this subchapter, you will learn a new way to establish your work context before doing work related to AOD. This new way is to apply an understanding of the historical and social constructs of AOD and the changes in AOD use. This subchapter will be divided into three main discussions, these are;
Historical and social constructs have significantly shaped attitudes towards and patterns of alcohol and other drug use.
Constructs refer to abstract ideas or concepts used to understand and explain drug and alcohol use and related behaviours and experiences. Constructs can be used to develop theories and models that can help guide assessment, intervention and treatment approaches.
Historically, alcohol consumption has been a significant part of Australian culture since colonial times, with alcohol consumption being encouraged and promoted as a way to celebrate and socialise. This has led to high levels of alcohol consumption, particularly binge drinking, among young people in Australia. In contrast, the use of other drugs, such as cannabis and opioids, has been more stigmatised and subject to criminalisation, with drug policies reflecting a punitive approach to drug use and addiction.
Social constructs also play a significant role in shaping patterns of substance use in Australia. For example, Indigenous Australians experience higher rates of substance use and related harms than non-Indigenous Australians, with factors such as trauma, social inequality and lack of access to culturally appropriate support services contributing to this disparity. In addition, young people from disadvantaged backgrounds may be more likely to engage in substance use as a coping mechanism or due to peer pressure.
Understanding historical and social constructs is essential in developing effective interventions and policies to reduce the harms associated with alcohol and other drug use in Australia.
Historical constructs of AOD
Historical constructs of AOD refer to different ways people have thought about and used alcohol and other drugs in the past. AOD support workers need to understand the different historical constructs of AOD to:
Understand how the historical constructs of AOD have shaped the AOD use, attitudes and perceptions of individuals and community
Understand the present patterns of AOD by checking valuable insights from historical contexts
Recognise the root causes of AOD and develop more effective interventions responsive to the context.
Here are key historical constructs of AOD in Australia:
Year | Key Historical Events of AOD in Australia | Description | Impact on AOD use in Australia |
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1905 | The criminalisation of opium use under the Opium Act of 1905 | The Opium Act of 1905 criminalised the use of opium, except under medical supervision. The act was passed due to concerns over the use of opium by Chinese immigrants and fears of addiction among the general population. | The Opium Act of 1905 marked the beginning of drug prohibition in Australia. It set a precedent for the criminalisation of other drugs and the enforcement of stricter drug laws in the future. |
1914 | Regulation of importation of drugs for medicinal purposes under the Poisons Act 1914 | The importation of drugs for medicinal purposes was regulated under the Poisons Act 1914. This allowed for the legal importation of drugs like morphine and cocaine for medical use | The Poisons Act 1914 helped to regulate the use of drugs for medicinal purposes and ensured that only licensed medical professionals had access to these drugs |
1930 | Rise in heroin use | The use of heroin began to increase in Australia during the 1930s after World War I. This was largely due to the availability of cheap, high-quality heroin from Southeast Asia | The rise in heroin use led to increased public concern over drug addiction and drug-related crime. |
Year | Key Historical Events of AOD in Australia | Description | Impact on AOD use in Australia |
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1953 | Criminalisation of heroin use under the 1953 Narcotic Drugs Act | The use of heroin was criminalized under the 1953 Narcotic Drugs Act. This act made it a criminal offence to possess, use, or sell heroin. | The criminalisation of heroin use helped to create a black market for the drug and led to an increase in drug-related crime. |
1960 | Emergence of recreational drug use | The 1960s saw the emergence of recreational drug use in Australia, particularly among young people. Drugs like marijuana, LSD, and amphetamines became popular during this time. | Young people who use illicit drugs for experimentation and socialisation significantly increased in this period, leading to higher cases of harm associated with drug use among the youth. |
1976 | Introduction of Random Breath Testing | The state of Victoria was the first to launch Random Breath Testing as a law enforcement practice where drivers are randomly stopped and tested for the presence of alcohol in their system. | This practice by Victoria was soon followed by other states and territories in Australia and has contributed to reducing drunk driving and related incidents. |
Year | Key Historical Events of AOD in Australia | Description | Impact on AOD use in Australia |
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1985 | Launch of the first National Drug Strategy | The National Drug Strategy was launched in 1985 to provide a coordinated, national approach to drug policy in Australia. The strategy focused on reducing the demand for drugs, reducing the supply of drugs, and reducing the harm associated with drug use. | The National Drug Strategy helped to shift the focus of drug policy from a criminal justice approach to a public health approach. |
2001 | ‘Heroin drought’ in Australia | A heroin drought occurred in Australia in 2001 due to difficulty in accessing high-grade heroin. | The heroin shortage led to a decrease in heroin use but a surge in the use of other drugs, particularly methamphetamine. |
2015 | National Ice Action Strategy | The National Ice Action Strategy was established in 2015 by the Australian government to combat the harms associated with methamphetamine (also known as “ice”) use in Australia. | This strategy created measures to help governments, service providers and communities to work together to address issues related to methamphetamine use and improve law enforcement responses. |
2016 | Legalisation of medical cannabis | In 2016, the Australian government legalised the cultivation and manufacture of medicinal cannabis, making it easier for people with certain medical conditions to access the drug. | The legalisation of medical cannabis was significant in providing greater access to the drug, especially for people seeking relief from chronic pain, epilepsy and other health conditions. |
Social Constructs of AOD
Meanwhile, the social constructs of AOD refer to how the use of alcohol and other psychoactive substances is shaped and understood by social factors. These social constructs can impact how people perceive AOD. Here are some reasons why AOD support workers should know the social constructs of AOD:
Here are common social constructs of AOD
Stigma | stigma is the negative attitudes, beliefs and stereotypes associated with AOD use and addiction. It can lead to social isolation, discrimination, and limited access to resources and services, which can negatively impact an individual’s recovery and overall well-being. |
Diversity of culture | The cultural beliefs, values, and practices that influence attitudes towards AOD use vary widely across different communities and ethnic groups. Understanding this diversity is important to avoid cultural stereotypes, increase access to culturally responsive prevention and treatment services and promote health equity. |
Power dynamic | Power dynamics refer to the social and economic structures that shape AOD use and access to resources and services. This includes issues of poverty, racism and other forms of oppression that can disproportionately affect certain communities and contribute to disparities in AOD-related health outcomes. |
Mental health and trauma | Mental health and trauma are often linked to AOD use and addiction. Traumatic experiences and mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety, can contribute to substance use, while AOD use can worsen mental health symptoms. Addressing mental health and trauma is therefore critical to supporting recovery and reducing the risk of relapse. |
Policy and legal frameworks | policy and legal frameworks shape the availability and accessibility of AOD prevention and treatment services, as well as the social and legal consequences of AOD use. Understanding these frameworks is important to promote evidence-based policies that support harm reduction and public health and to challenge punitive approaches that perpetuate stigma and harm. |
Aside from the historical and social constructs of AOD, workers dealing with AOD clients should also be knowledgeable about the changes in AOD. As you work with clients with AOD issues, you must stay informed about the current and emerging drug-use trends or patterns.
A pattern refers to how an individual uses drugs or alcohol over a period of time. This pattern can include the frequency, quantity and context of use and any associated behaviours or consequences. Understanding AOD use patterns can help identify potential harms and develop appropriate interventions and treatment plans.
Historic patterns of drug and alcohol use refer to how drugs and alcohol have been used, including social and cultural attitudes towards use and any significant events or changes in policy or legislation that have affected use patterns.
For instance, cannabis use has been documented for thousands of years and has been used for medicinal, spiritual, and recreational purposes. In the 20th century, many countries criminalised cannabis use and possession, but recently, there has been a shift towards decriminalisation and legalisation for medical or recreational use.
Other illicit drugs, such as opioids, amphetamines and cocaine, have also had varying patterns of use over time.
In the mid-20th century, amphetamines were widely prescribed for weight loss and to combat fatigue, but their abuse potential led to their regulation as controlled substances. The opioid epidemic, which began in the late 1990s, was fueled by the over-prescription of opioid painkillers and has led to a significant increase in opioid-related deaths.
Current patterns in drug use refer to the common and latest trends in the use of various types of drugs by individuals or populations at a given time. According to the National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2019, a recent study conducted by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare that examines how the patterns of AOD use in Australia change over time, there has been an increase in the use of a range of psychoactive substances, including cannabis, MDMA (also known as ‘ecstasy’ or ‘molly,’ is a synthetic psychoactive substance that alters a person’s mood and perception), cocaine and methamphetamine.
The National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2019 found that psychoactive substances are normally used for a range of reasons, including:
Below are the other findings relevant to the types of substances currently prevalent in Australia and how each is commonly used. Each reason for how the types of drugs are used will be backed up by the percentage of responses who identify with the common usage of the type of drug enumerated.
55.7% ►►► ►To relax or unwind
35.7% ►►► ► For social reasons
26.3% ►►► ► To have fun
Based on the National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2019, there are current trends for each type of drug. Here is a table that shows the types of drugs, their current trend and use of the type of drug:
Types of Drugs | Current Trend | Use of the type of drug |
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Alcohol | More Australians are giving up or reducing their alcohol intake mainly because of health concerns that it brings | Alcohol is commonly used for its relaxing and socialising effects. |
Cannabis | Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in 2019, and its recent consumption has increased | Cannabis is commonly used for its relaxing and mood-altering effects. |
Tobacco | Smokers of tobacco went down mainly because of younger generations not taking up smoking. | Tobacco is commonly used for its nicotine content which causes feelings of pleasure and relaxation. |
Illicit | Use of illicit drugs has increased over the years, with an alarming number of Australians shifting to new types of drugs. | Illicit drugs are commonly used for their euphoric effects or for self-medication for underlying mental health conditions. |
Prescription | Use of prescription drugs for non-medicinal purposes has been reduced, mainly due to the decrease in the non-medical use of pain-killers and opioids | Prescription drugs are commonly used for treating a range of medical conditions but they also bring calming or stimulating effects to the body. |
Aside from the National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2019, you can also review National Ecstasy and Related Drugs Reporting System (EDRS) 2022. The survey includes the trend of new psychoactive substances (NPS) use among Australians. Any NPS use has shown a downward trend over time and has recorded the lowest percentage in 2022 since monitoring commenced.
Based on the survey, the two most commonly used NPS are mescaline and 2C substances. Another interesting result is that 74% of Australians are identified to be hazardously using alcohol. Moreover, the trend of non-fatal alcohol overdose has been significantly increasing from 15% in 2021 up to 21% in 2022.
Another document that you can check for the current pattern of AOD use is the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). If you will access the report on Alcohol, tobacco & other drugs in Australia, it is stated that the most common principal drug concern for clients seeking AOD treatment services is alcohol. The proportion of Australians drinking in excess of lifetime risk guidelines went down from 21% in 2001 to 16.8% in 2019
On the same report, the use of cannabis in Australia in 2020 was at 12.1%, which is significantly higher than the global average of more than 4.0%. This drug also continues to have the highest reported prevalence of both lifetime and recent consumption among all the illicit drugs consumed by the general population.
Moreover, methylamphetamine is the illicit drug with the highest population-weighted average consumption.
Emerging patterns in AOD refer to the patterns and changes in drug use behaviour that are developing or becoming more prevalent in Australia. Although there is no specific time frame or the number of years that can be used as a standard to determine if a trend is emerging, experts consider a trend to be emerging throughout at least one to two years and is expected to continue growing in the near future.
The emerging trends may include:
Emerging drugs pertain to drugs that are new to the market and often advertised as ‘legal highs’ despite being illegal and dangerous to the body.
Here are some types of emerging drugs, their effect on the body and how they are typically used:
Types of Emerging Drugs | Effect on the Body | How they are typically used |
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Synthetic Cannabinoids | These mimic the effects of marijuana which causes hallucinations and delusions | Synthetic cannabinoids are often sold as herbs that are smoked by a person. |
Synthetics Cathinones | These mimic the effects of cocaine or methamphetamine which elevates heart rate and blood pressure of the body | Synthetic cathinones are typically sold as powders that are snorted through the nose. |
Moreover, here are some examples of emerging trends in Australia and the types of drugs used:
increase in the use of pharmaceutical opioids
Use of new psychoactive drugs
Increase in the use of crystal methamphetamine
Cannabis use
Use of technology for drug transactions
Increase in the use of pharmaceutical opioids.
➤ There has been a significant increase in the use of pharmaceutical opioids in Australia, leading to a rise in opioid-related deaths and hospitalisations. Some individuals use pharmaceutical opioids for non-medical purposes, such as to get high or for recreational purposes.
Use of new psychoactive substances.
➤ The use of new psychoactive substances (NPS), also known as legal highs or designer drugs, is on the rise in Australia. When ingested, inhaled or injected, psychoactive substances are chemical substances that alter a person’s mood, perception or behaviour. These drugs are often marketed as legal and safe alternatives to traditional illicit drugs but can be highly dangerous and have unpredictable effects such as paranoia or heart palpitations. However, people often use these substances for leisure, to enhance social interactions and relieve stress.
Increase in the use of crystal methamphetamine.
➤There is an increase in the use of crystal methamphetamine, also known as ‘ice’. This leads to a rise in methamphetamine-related hospitalisations and crime, such as overdose and violence. Most people have been reported to have used this to increase alertness, stay awake, improve their mood and lose weight.
Use of technology for drug transactions.
➤There has been a rise in the use of technology such as dark web marketplaces and encrypted messaging apps for drug transactions, making it harder for law enforcement agencies to track and intercept drug sales. Some of the reasons why people may use technology for drug transactions include:
Anonymity |
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Buyers and sellers remain anonymous and avoid the risk of being caught by law enforcement. |
Convenience |
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Eliminates the need for face-to-face transactions. |
Access to a wider range of drugs |
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Provides access to a wider range of drugs than may be available in a local area. |
Avoidance of traditional drug markets |
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Avoids the risks associated with traditional drug markets, such as violence or exposure to other criminal activity. |
Below are more current and emerging drugs and their uses:
Drug | Common Uses |
Opioids (e.g. oxycodone, morphine) | Pain relief |
Benzodiazepines (e.g. alprazolam, diazepam) | Anxiety relief, sedation |
Stimulants (e.g. cocaine, amphetamines) | Energy, alertness, mood elevation |
Hallucinogens (e.g. LSD, psilocybin) | Altered perception, mystical experiences, the therapeutic potential |
Cannabis (e.g. marijuana, CBD) | Pain relief, anxiety relief, relaxation, recreational use |
Ketamine | Anesthetic, antidepressant, potential for treating chronic pain and PTSD |
MDMA (ecstasy) | Empathy, euphoria, the potential for treating PTSD |
Nootropics (e.g. modafinil, piracetam) | Cognitive enhancement, focus |
Synthetic cannabinoids (e.g. Spice) | Similar effects to cannabis, but with a higher risk of negative side effects and addiction |
Synthetic cathinone (e.g. bath salts) | Stimulant effects are similar to cocaine or amphetamines, with a higher risk of negative side effects and addiction |
It is important to note that these drugs can have positive and negative effects depending on the dose, frequency of use and individual characteristics such as genetics, age and health status. Some drugs, such as opioids and benzodiazepines, can be highly addictive and have a high potential for abuse and overdose. As an AOD worker, you must be aware of the risks and potential benefits of drug use to help individuals make informed decisions about their drug use based on their circumstances and needs.
Now that you know about the historical and social constructs and changes in AOD, you need to apply this understanding in the workplace. It is important to understand how it has changed over time and how people’s attitudes towards it have been influenced by society. AOD support workers need to know these historical and social factors to do their job better. It is also important to keep up with current trends and new patterns in AOD use. By doing this, workers can better support people who use drugs and help prevent harm.
AOD support workers must apply their understanding of the historical and social constructs of Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) use to their work practices for the following reasons:
★ To help them design interventions that are culturally appropriate and responsive to the social context of AOD use
★ To be more compassionate and less judgemental towards people who use AOD.
★ To stay up-to-date with current trends and emerging patterns in AOD use can help AOD workers to provide the most relevant and effective support to their clients
Here are the steps that AOD support workers can follow to apply their understanding of historical and social constructs and changes in AOD to their work practices:
Checkpoint! Let’s Review the Historical constructs of AOD refer to different ways people have thought about and used alcohol and other drugs Social constructs of AOD refer to how the use of alcohol and other psychoactive substances is shaped and understood by social factors. Historic patterns of drug and alcohol use refer to how drugs and alcohol have been used in the past, including social and cultural attitudes towards use and any significant events or changes in policy or legislation that have affected use patterns. Current patterns in drug use refer to the common and latest trends in the use of various types of drugs by individuals or populations at a given point in time. Emerging trends or changes in AOD refer to the patterns and changes in drug use behaviour that are developing or becoming more prevalent. |