Men’s Health Information and Resource Centre
Drug Abuse

Drug abuse is a male health issue when it intersects with violence, suicide or other issues that are routinely experienced by males. Where resources are available that provide information on this linkage, they provide a useful basis for practitioners to understand the role that drugs and their overuse play in male health issues.

DEPRESSION & ADDICTION AN INTERSECTING MALADY

"In the lowest moments of my life, the only reason I didn't commit suicide was that I knew I wouldn't be able to drink any more if I was dead. It was the only thing I thought was worth living for, and the idea that people were about to try and remove me for alcohol was so terrible that I drank and drank and drank, and they had to practically carry me into the clinic."

- Musician, Eric Clapton 

The Commonality of Depression 

Depression is so common in individuals grappling with substance abuse and addiction that the two diseases are viewed as a co-occurring, dual diagnosis disorder. If the disorder were to be rendered as a visualization, it would assume the likeness of a silhouette . For some, the black cut-out in the foreground of the silhouette would be their addiction and the light background would be their depression. For others, their depression would be the black cutout in the front agains the backdrop of their addiction. To make things even more challenging, the line that separates the two is often merged in variations of grayscale. Read the full information here. 

Help & Support services

Looking for information or support services on alcohol or drugs and not sure where to begin? Call 1300 85 85 84 to speak to a real person. Get answers to your questions and advice on practical ‘next steps’.

Visit Alcohol and Drug Foundation

Read more

Suicide Prevention Australia: Position Paper On Alcohol, Drugs and Suicide Prevention

suicideprevention logo This document is Suicide Prevention Australia's position on the interaction between drugs, alcohol and suicide. It is acknowledged that the presence of alcohol and drugs can heighten the likelihood of suicide or suicidal feelings. 

"The recognition of AOD abuse as a mental illness remains poorly understood by the public and policy makers..."

Read more

"In the lowest moments of my life, the only reason I didn't commit suicide was that I knew I wouldn't be able to drink any more if I was dead. It was the only thing I thought was worth living for, and the idea that people were about to try and remove me for alcohol was so terrible that I drank and drank and drank, and they had to practically carry me into the clinic."

- Musician, Eric Clapton 

The Commonality of Depression 

Depression is so common in individuals grappling with substance abuse and addiction that the two diseases are viewed as a co-occurring, dual diagnosis disorder. If the disorder were to be rendered as a visualization, it would assume the likeness of a silhouette . For some, the black cut-out in the foreground of the silhouette would be their addiction and the light background would be their depression. For others, their depression would be the black cutout in the front agains the backdrop of their addiction. To make things even more challenging, the line that separates the two is often merged in variations of grayscale. Read the full information here. 

Help & Support services

Looking for information or support services on alcohol or drugs and not sure where to begin? Call 1300 85 85 84 to speak to a real person. Get answers to your questions and advice on practical ‘next steps’.

Visit Alcohol and Drug Foundation

suicideprevention logo This document is Suicide Prevention Australia's position on the interaction between drugs, alcohol and suicide. It is acknowledged that the presence of alcohol and drugs can heighten the likelihood of suicide or suicidal feelings. 

"The recognition of AOD abuse as a mental illness remains poorly understood by the public and policy makers..."
Read more: Suicide Prevention Australia: Position Paper On Alcohol, Drugs and Suicide Prevention

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