Substance use: Position statement

This statement provides the APS position on a number of aspects of substance use, and outlines key contributions from psychological theory, research and practice to the understanding of substance use.

The position statement provides a carefully reasoned, evidence-based and realistic position in relation to prevalence, harm, and understanding of substance use, preventing and reducing harm, and treatment of misuse. It addresses some myths about substance use, and confirms that alcohol is the most abused substance in Australian society, at great cost to individuals, families and the wider community.

The APS supports a holistic harm minimisation approach to alcohol and other drug harm, which includes minimising the supply of substances through law enforcement approaches and minimising the demand for substances through prevention and treatment.

Paper under review