Alcohol dependence and substitution products

Being dependent on alcohol has a range of harmful physical and psychological effects. People who are seriously dependent on alcohol can also experience physical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, like shaking, sweating or nausea when their blood alcohol level drops – for example, before their first drink of the day. In this situation it can be dangerous to stop drinking completely or too quickly without medical support.

There are a range of services available in the NT for people who experience problems with alcohol and other drugs, which means there are many options for people with differing needs and treatment preferences.

For more information on the effects of alcohol on your health, go to the Northern Territory Government’s website.

Support options may include the use of pharmacotherapies.

Read more about alcohol dependency, go to the South Australian Government website.

Alcohol Substitution Products

Some people misuse other products as alcohol substitutes. These products contain ingredients that are harmful and toxic in large doses and drinking them can make people very sick, with substantial risks including organ failure. It is also an offence under the Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 2012 to consume alcohol substitution products.

Refer to the Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 2012

For more information on alcohol substitution products, refer to the following fact sheets for retailers and community workers

• Mouthwash and essence flavourings
• Methylated spirits

Read the Australian guidelines to reducing health risks from drinking alcohol, to go the Australian Government's National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) website.