The GPs at Parkhill Medical Centre are well placed and experienced to help patients with alcohol and addiction problems in a non-judgemental and supportive manner. 

What is an addiction? 

An addiction is a condition in which a person engages in an activity where the rewarding effects provide a compelling incentive to repeatedly pursue the behavior despite detrimental consequences.

Given the right (or wrong) circumstances, anyone can develop an addiction – to alcohol, to medications & drugs, and to certain behaviors. Whilst the cause of addiction is multi-faceted, no one ever sets out to become addicted to anything. Attributing blame is unhelpful.

These behaviors can range from gambling, the use of social media, accessing pornography, shopping, online gaming, food and even sex. A distinctive characteristic of an addiction is a compulsion or craving to continue with the behavior despite negative consequences such as financial (especially with gambling), relationships, physical and mental health issues.

Although all addictions have the capacity to induce feelings of hopelessness, failure, shame and guilt, the longer-term outlook is much more positive with recovery expected rather than being the exception. There are many routes to recovery. 

One of the most important steps is acknowledging that there is a problem and then seeking help. Our GPs at Parkhill Medical Centre are well placed and experienced to help in a non-judgemental and supportive manner.

“Preparation and Action stage” 

If you are on this page, you may be ready to seek help for your addiction – you may be at the preparation and action stage

Our doctors at Parkhill Medical Centre are available to help you with treating addictions, including but not limited to:

Smoking cessation/vaping addiction: 

Smoking can increase your risk of cancer, stroke, cardiovascular disease, lung disease, diabetes, and many other health issues. 

Tobacco, the main ingredient in cigarettes, comes from the dried leaves of the tobacco plant. It contains nicotine, a highly addictive substance, as well as a number of other chemicals, many of which are cancer-inducing and harmful.

Unlike alcohol and many other drugs, there is no safe (or low risk) of tobacco use. Thankfully, the rate of smoking in Australia has been steadily decreasing over a number of years, in parallel with greater awareness of the health risks, increased cost and decreased social acceptance of smoking.

Quitting smoking is extremely important for the health of anyone who is smoking. At Parkhill Medical Centre,  we understand that this can be difficult and we offer a comprehensive assessment and treatment process to assist our patients to quit and stay quit.

Whilst the majority of people who have quit smoking, have done so by just stopping (’cold turkey’), the success rate of quitting improves significantly with the help of your GP who may consider nicotine-replacement therapy, other prescription medications alongside some behavior and thinking strategies. If you are thinking about your smoking, please speak to your doctor today. 

Alcohol and other drugs addiction treatment: 

The 2016 National Drug Strategy Household Survey found that alcohol is the most widely used recreational drug in Australia, with 85.5% of Australians aged 14 years and over having drunk alcohol one or more times in their lives. While risky drinking on a single occasion was more common among younger drinkers, daily drinking was more common among those aged 40 years and older. 

Many adults can enjoy alcohol safely. For others, alcohol when in excess, can contribute to social problems (both with intimate and interpersonal relationships), occupational problems such as safety and absenteeism and legal issues such as drink driving. Health conditions can also arise from excess intake including certain cancers, intestinal disorders and skin disorders to name a few. Some people can become dependent on alcohol, making it very difficult to stop.

Addiction to alcohol and or other drugs can have serious effects on your health and on your life. Our doctors can help discuss your concerns and help you to get the right treatments for you and your family. 

Gambling addiction: 

Around 7.9% of Australians are at risk of addiction to gambling. This can have detrimental effects on your family and life. 

Is gambling having a negative effect on your life?

Pokies, electronic gambling, table games, online gambling, and betting. You may think you can stop anytime, but if gambling is impacting your relationships, finances, work, interests and general wellbeing, you may need some support to overcome your addiction.  

Our doctors at Parkhill Medical Centre can discuss your concerns and offer support and referrals to services to help you. 

Being proactive about your addiction can change your life and the life of those around you! It is never too late to start trying!