It is important to understand the impacts of alcohol and other drugs. There are lots of places you can find information and support to help you if you need it!
Impacts of alcohol
People aged 18 and over can legally buy and drink alcohol in Australia. However, it is important that you understand the risks.
Drinking alcohol can damage your brain and lead to a range of health issues down the track.
Find out about the impact and risks of alcohol on the Department of Health and Aged Care website.
Impacts of other drugs
Illegal drugs are never safe.
It is difficult to know exactly what is in illegal drugs. This also makes it difficult to know how much you are taking.
Illegal drugs are especially risky for young people because of the development stage of the brain.
Drugs don’t just affect your physical and mental health. They also impact your finances, social life, and criminal record.
It’s important that you understand the effects of different drugs. For more information visit the Department of Health and Aged Care website.
Getting help
If you, or someone else, is in immediate danger please contact 000.
If you’re struggling or worried about someone else, you’re not alone! There’s plenty of support out there.
headspace is a youth mental health service that is:
- for 12 to 25 year olds
- available from 9 am to 1 am (AEDT), Monday to Sunday.
Kids Helpline is a free and confidential 24/7 online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.
Chat onlineThe Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) has information to prevent alcohol and drug harm.
This includes information to help people looking to support others.
Visit the Alcohol and Drug Foundation websiteThis hotline has confidential support for people struggling with addiction.
It’s open 24/7.
Counselling Online supports people affected by drug and alcohol use. It is:
- free
- confidential
- open 24/7.
Positive Choices is an online portal to raise awareness about the harms associated with alcohol and other drugs.
Visit their webpage for more information.
Learn more about Positive ChoicesAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can call 13YARN (13 92 76) for support. It’s:
- available 24/7
- staffed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
a non-judgemental, confidential, culturally safe space to yarn about needs, worries or concerns.