Drug, alcohol and smoking addiction costing Australia billions, new report shows | ABC News

Summary

Ben Venka, once bound by alcohol addiction, found a transformative hobby in running after rehab. His story underscores the broader issue of addiction in Australia, with one in four Australians facing challenges with substances like alcohol and gambling. A recent report highlights the financial toll of addiction at a staggering 80 to 175 billion dollars, including loss of productivity and lives. The call for a national, evidence-based plan to address addiction is emphasized, along with the need for increased investment in education and prevention. Ben, now a counselor, helps others in their battle against addiction, offering hope for a clean and fulfilling life.

Takeaways

• 🏃 Ben Venka, once in the grip of alcohol addiction, found a new passion for running which helped him overcome his addiction.
• 🌱 Rehab played a crucial role in Ben's recovery, providing an alternative to his previous destructive habits.
• 💡 Instead of resorting to alcohol, Ben chose to run as a means of coping with life's challenges, which he found to be an amazing experience.
• 🇦🇺 One in four Australians will face issues with gambling, alcohol, and other drugs at some point in their lives, according to a recent report.
• 💰 The financial impact of addiction in Australia is enormous, costing a staggering 80 billion dollars, with an additional 175 billion dollars in lost productivity.
• 📉 The report highlights the significant loss in terms of lives and productivity due to addiction.
• 🤔 There is a gap in treatment services, with up to half a million Australians who need help for addiction unable to access it.
• 📚 Experts are advocating for increased investment in education and prevention to combat the issue of addiction.
• 🌟 Ben, now a counselor, helps others battling addiction, emphasizing the importance of hope and the possibility of a clean and sober life.
• 👀 Ben's work allows him to witness the transformative power of recovery, as individuals regain their connection with others and their sense of hope.
• 📢 There is a call for all sides of government to develop an evidence-based national plan to address addiction more effectively.

Q & A

What was Ben Venka's pastime that he took up after overcoming alcohol addiction?

Ben Venka took up running as a pastime after overcoming alcohol addiction.

How did Ben Venka's lifestyle change after rehab?

Instead of going home and starting to drink, Ben would put on his running gear and go for a run after rehab.

What is the estimated one in four Australians struggle with according to the report?

One in four Australians struggle with gambling, alcohol, and other drugs during their lifetime.

What is the financial cost of addiction to Australia as revealed in the report?

The financial cost of addiction to Australia is a staggering 80 billion dollars.

What additional cost is mentioned in terms of lives lost and productivity due to addiction?

There is an additional cost of 175 billion dollars in terms of lives lost and productivity due to addiction.

What is the issue with accessing treatment for addiction in Australia as per the experts?

Up to half a million Australians who want treatment can't access the help they need.

What are the experts calling for in response to the addiction crisis in Australia?

Experts are calling for greater investment in education and prevention, and for all sides of government to take the issue seriously and come up with an evidence-based national plan.

What kind of policy is being suggested to reduce the cost of addiction to society?

The suggestion is to introduce more effective prevention and treatment policy that can reduce the cost of addiction to society.

What is Ben Venka's current role in helping others with addiction?

Ben Venka has retrained as a counselor and now helps others who are battling addiction.

What positive impact does Ben Venka see in his work with people battling addiction?

Ben sees the life come back to someone's eyes, their ability to connect with people again, and gives them hope for a clean and sober life.

What does Ben Venka consider as proof that addiction isn't a life sentence?

Ben's own transformation and his work helping others recover from addiction serve as proof that addiction isn't a life sentence.