Alcohol and/or drug (AOD) use can result in physical and mental health concerns and some people with physical or mental health ailments use AODs to relieve their symptoms. This link between AOD use and consumer general health is the premise of the Consumer Health Project. The project is run by WANADA and funded by St John of God and aims to improve general health outcomes for consumers of AOD services.

The importance of consumer's general health was highlighted in the Duty to Care Report released in 2001. It was found that people with a mental health illness often had high rates of AOD use and were 2.5 times more likely to die from a preventable disease than the general population.

Despite this, general health is not routinely assessed and responded to in some AOD services. The 2007 GP Access Pilot Project found that barriers among consumers, AOD workers and General Practitioners prevented some consumers from having their physical health concerns assessed and treated.

Stage 2 of the project is underway which involves working with AOD agencies to identify how their consumer’s general health needs are currently being met and what can be implemented to achieve better health outcomes for consumers.  Considering general health in treatment planning is in line with a growing consensus that a holistic approach to care maximises treatment outcomes.

A list of resources available on general health issues related to AOD use has been compiled and is added to regularly.

For further information see:

• Consumer Health Project Overview
• Consumer Health Literature Review

If you are interested in being involved or would like any further information please contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it - Project Manager or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it - Project Coordinator