Although similar, there exists a difference between substance abuse and addiction. It is possible to abuse a drug or alcohol without being addicted to it. The symptoms of substance abuse are similar if not common to addiction. However, there are some signs or symptoms that reveal whether a person is addicted to alcohol or drugs. For instance, if one experiences various withdrawal symptoms when he or she has not used the substance, then he or she is addicted. Some of the withdrawal symptoms include vomiting, dizziness, nausea, and changes in mood. Other signs of addiction include ignoring hobbies, spending a lot of time to get the drugs, and loss of self-control. The addiction is a more serious problem as compared to drug abuse since the user cannot physically stop it. This is because the brain function has been altered.
Alcohol and drug addiction are serious problems across the world. Moreover, these problems do not discriminate between skin color, ages, cultural background, or religion. In Australia, just like any other country in the world, both legal and illegal drugs pose a serious challenge for law enforcement officers, health workers, families, workplaces, and universities. Substance abuse contributes to serious financial, physical, psychological, and social problems, which affect a lot of people. It is estimated that over 14% of Australians use alcohol and drugs. The common drugs abused include cannabis, ecstasy, painkillers, and cocaine.