In Australia, one in twenty deaths are caused by alcohol or illicit drugs.
Nearly one in five adults drink at risky levels and 16 per cent of the population has tried an illicit drug in the past year.
The most frequently used substance by Australians of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds is pharmaceuticals for non-medical use. They form 3.4 per cent of the multicultural population.
The other most commonly used drug is cannabis with users comprising 3.3 per cent of this community.
Recent findings from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show that only 5.4 per cent of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds drink on average more than two standard drinks a day, compared with 18.6 per cent of primary English speakers.
Julio was just experiencing the freedom of adulthood as an eighteen-year-old when he had his first taste of an illicit drug. Little did he know that his curiosity would gradually escalate into a 13-year battle with addiction to methamphetamine. In his case, it took 10 years, hitting rock bottom multiple times, and almost losing his life, before Julio decided that he needed to seek help.
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If you're experiencing issues with drug or alcohol, you can call the Family Drug Support's free 24/7 telephone helpline on 1300 368 186 or talk to your GP to find out about the services available.
You can also get free language help over the phone through the Translating and Interpreting Service by dialling 131 450. For help in your state visit the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS).
