Australia’s regional and remote areas face unique challenges when it comes to alcohol and other drug (AOD) use, particularly among young people. Recent studies have highlighted significant differences between urban and rural areas, emphasising the need for tailored interventions and support systems that address the specific needs of rural youth.
Youth Alcohol Consumption in Rural Areas
While national trends show positive shifts in youth alcohol consumption, rural areas still face higher rates overall:
- The average age at which young Australians first try alcohol has risen from 14.7 years in 2001 to 16.1 in 2022–2023, a positive trend seen across both urban and rural areas.[i]
- However, people in regional and remote Australia are more likely to consume alcohol at potentially harmful levels compared to their city counterparts:
These higher consumption rates contribute to a greater health burden, with remote and very remote areas experiencing up to 2.7 times the burden of alcohol-related diseases compared to major cities.[iv]
Youth Drinking Patterns and Concerns
Recent data shows both encouraging trends and ongoing concerns:
- Among 12-17 year olds, less than half (44%) drank alcohol in the past year, similar to 56% in 2017.[v]
- However, 40% of females aged 18 to 24 consumed alcohol at risky levels in the latest study, a concerning statistic particularly relevant to rural areas where risky drinking is more prevalent.[vi]
- From 2007 to 2022–2023, the proportion of people aged 14–17 who abstained from alcohol increased from 39% to 70%, a positive trend that needs support to continue in rural areas.[vii]
Drug Use Patterns in Rural Communities
While overall drug use levels are similar across Australia, the types of substances used vary in rural areas. Cannabis, oxycodone, and fentanyl are more commonly used in regional and remote locations. Notably, there’s been an increase in demand for amphetamine treatment services in rural NSW, surpassing alcohol as the primary substance of concern among young people seeking help.[viii]
Barriers to Treatment for Rural Youth
Young people in rural and remote areas often face significant obstacles when seeking AOD treatment:
- Geographical isolation: Treatment centres can be hundreds of kilometres away, particularly challenging for youth with limited transport options.[xi]
- Limited specialised services: Youth-specific detox facilities and other specialised options are scarce in rural areas.[xii]
- Long wait times: Often extending to 3-4 months, which can be particularly discouraging for young people seeking immediate help.
- Privacy concerns: In small communities, fear of stigma can prevent youth from seeking local support[xiii]
Addressing the Challenges
To address these challenges, several approaches are being implemented by various organisations across the country. Some examples include:
- Telehealth services: Providing vital mental health and addiction support remotely, offering increased access and privacy for young people.
- Youth-focused community initiatives: Expanding local educational programs and peer support networks to build resilience and awareness among rural youth.
- Culturally appropriate care: Investing in Aboriginal youth programs and building relationships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations to improve service accessibility for young Indigenous Australians.
- Early intervention programs: Developing school-based and community programs that address the specific needs and risk factors of rural youth.
Supporting Young Australians
By implementing these solutions and continuing to innovate as a sector, we can collectively work towards addressing the gap in AOD treatment between urban and rural Australia, with a specific focus on supporting young people. The positive trends in delayed alcohol initiation and increased abstinence among youth provide hope, but ongoing efforts are crucial to ensure these trends continue and extend to all aspects of substance use.
Our mission is to help young Australians in crisis by enabling best practice models of treatment for youth drug and alcohol addiction – regardless of their location. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or drug issues, we encourage you to reach out for support.
Need help?
If you or a young person you know is struggling with alcohol or drug issues, remember that help is available. If you need mental health support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800. More resources are available on our website: https://martinfoundation.org.au/youth-programs/resources/
References:
[i] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, “National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2022–2023”
[ii] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, “Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drugs in Australia
[iii] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, “Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drugs in Australia
[iv] Source: National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA), “Alcohol and Other Drug Use in Regional and Remote Australia”
[v] Guerin and White, “ASSAD 2017 Statistics & Trends”.
[vi] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, “National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2022–2023”
[vii] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, “National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2022–2023”
[viii] National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA), “Alcohol and Other Drug Use in Regional and Remote Australia”
[ix] National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA), “Alcohol and Other Drug Use in Regional and Remote Australia”
[x] National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA), “Alcohol and Other Drug Use in Regional and Remote Australia”
[xi] Country SA PHN, “Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services Activity Work Plan 2019-2022”.
[xii] Country SA PHN, “Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services Activity Work Plan 2019-2022”.
[xiii] Turning Point, “Alcohol and Drug Statistics”.
