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

ABC News (Australia)

22 Nov 202201:54

Summary

TLDRBen 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.

Outlines

00:00

🏃‍♂️ Transforming Through Running

The script introduces Ben Venka, a once alcohol-addicted individual who found redemption and a new passion in running. After rehab, instead of succumbing to his addiction, Ben would go for a run, which he describes as 'amazing.' The narrative then shifts to discuss the broader issue of addiction in Australia, with one in four Australians struggling with gambling, alcohol, and other drugs. The financial cost of addiction is highlighted as a staggering 80 to 175 billion dollars, with additional losses in productivity and lives. The report calls for greater investment in education and prevention, urging the government to develop an evidence-based national plan to address the issue. Ben, now a counselor, helps others battle addiction, emphasizing the importance of hope and the possibility of a clean and sober life.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Runner

A 'Runner' refers to someone who engages in running as a regular activity or sport. In the video, Ben Venka's transformation into an avid runner signifies his shift from destructive habits, such as alcohol addiction, to healthier, more positive behaviors. Running serves as a metaphor for his recovery journey, offering him a new outlet for stress and a way to rebuild his life.

💡Alcohol Addiction

'Alcohol Addiction' is a chronic disease characterized by an inability to control or stop drinking despite harmful consequences. The video highlights Ben Venka’s struggle with alcohol addiction, which once dominated his life. His story emphasizes the debilitating effects of addiction and the transformative power of recovery through rehabilitation.

💡Rehab

'Rehab,' short for rehabilitation, refers to the process of treatment and recovery from addiction. In the video, rehab played a critical role in helping Ben Venka overcome his alcohol addiction. It provided him with the tools and support needed to replace his drinking habit with healthier activities, such as running, demonstrating the impact of effective treatment.

💡Financial Cost

'Financial Cost' refers to the economic impact of addiction on society. The video reveals a staggering figure, with addiction costing Australia between 80 billion and 175 billion dollars. This includes direct costs, such as healthcare and rehabilitation, as well as indirect costs, like lost productivity and lives lost due to addiction-related issues.

💡Productivity

'Productivity' refers to the efficiency with which goods and services are produced, often measured by the output per hour of labor. In the context of the video, addiction significantly reduces productivity, contributing to the high financial costs for the country. Addiction can lead to absenteeism, reduced work performance, and, in severe cases, the inability to work.

💡Education and Prevention

'Education and Prevention' are strategies aimed at reducing the incidence of addiction by increasing awareness and providing resources before addiction develops. Experts in the video call for greater investment in these areas to combat the high costs of addiction. By educating the public and implementing preventive measures, the goal is to reduce the number of people who fall into addiction, thereby lowering the overall societal impact.

💡National Plan

A 'National Plan' is a comprehensive strategy developed by the government to address a widespread issue. In the video, experts advocate for a National Plan to tackle addiction in Australia. This plan would be evidence-based and involve coordinated efforts across various sectors to effectively prevent and treat addiction, ultimately reducing its financial and social costs.

💡Counselor

A 'Counselor' is a trained professional who provides guidance and support to individuals dealing with personal challenges, such as addiction. The video mentions that Ben Venka retrained as a counselor after overcoming his own addiction. His role as a counselor allows him to help others on their recovery journeys, offering hope and a path to a 'clean and sober life.'

💡Hope

'Hope' refers to a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain outcome, particularly in difficult circumstances. In the video, hope is a recurring theme, especially in the context of addiction recovery. Ben Venka's story illustrates how hope, fostered by successful rehab and the support of counselors, can lead to a renewed sense of purpose and the belief that a better life is possible.

💡Lives Lost

'Lives Lost' refers to the fatalities that occur as a direct or indirect result of addiction. The video highlights the human cost of addiction, estimating it at 175 billion dollars, which includes the loss of lives. This term underscores the severity of addiction, not just in economic terms but also in the profound personal and societal losses it causes.

Highlights

Ben Venka, once in the grip of alcohol addiction, is now an avid runner.

Rehabilitation played a crucial role in Ben's transformation from addiction to a healthy lifestyle.

Instead of drinking, Ben found solace and amazement in running after returning home.

One in four Australians may face issues with gambling, alcohol, and other drugs in their lifetime.

A recent report reveals the financial cost of addiction to Australia is a staggering 80 billion dollars.

In addition to financial costs, addiction results in a loss of 175 billion dollars in terms of lives and productivity.

Experts indicate that up to half a million Australians who seek treatment cannot access the help they need.

There is a call for greater investment in education and prevention to combat addiction.

A national plan based on evidence is being urged by experts to address the addiction issue seriously.

The government is encouraged to introduce more effective prevention and treatment policies.

Ben Venka, retrained as a counselor, now helps others battling addiction, witnessing the restoration of hope and life.

The impact of seeing life return to someone's eyes and their reconnection with others is profound.

Ben's story serves as proof that addiction does not have to be a life sentence.

Sophie Scott from ABC News reports on the significant and practical implications of addiction on Australian society.

The report emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to reduce the societal costs of addiction.

The transcript underscores the importance of accessible treatment and support for those struggling with addiction.