Why men are more likely to face addiction, and what to do about it
Published November 2025
Expert contributor Tara Hurster, psychologist and CEO, The TARA Clinic
Words by Carrie Hutchinson
For many Aussies, going to the pub is a way to relax, catch up with mates and unwind at the end of the week. But what happens when this familiar ritual becomes a habit you rely on?
Drinking is common in Australia, but men tend to drink more – and more often – than women. Research shows around 39% of men drink to risky levels, and they’re also more likely to have a substance use disorder than women.
Alcohol and drug use is especially common in industries like construction and mining. But it’s not just the immediate dangers of being under the influence or hungover on the job we need to be worried about. Long-term alcohol use can increase your risk of health conditions like heart disease, stroke, some cancers and liver damage.
If you’re worried about your drinking (or someone else’s), here are common signs of alcohol addiction and how to get help.
How to know if you have a problem
It’s important to understand that addiction is not a weakness. “Addiction is a pattern of behaviour that continues even when the negative consequences are overwhelming and you've had multiple unsuccessful attempts to stop or cut down,” says psychologist and addiction expert Tara Hurster, founder and CEO of The TARA Clinic (Therapeutic Addiction Recovery Assistance). “The formal term for this as it relates to alcohol or drug use is a substance use disorder."
Symptoms may include:
- strong urges to drink alcohol
- needing to drink more to get the same effect
- relying on alcohol to have fun or relax
- hiding or lying about how much you drink
- not being able to cut back or quit, even after trying a few times
- health, work or relationship problems linked to drinking.
Many people think drinking is only a problem when it causes problems or other people start noticing. But you don’t need to reach a crisis point to seek help.
“If you’re wondering about it, or there are people close to you who are expressing concerns, then chances are it’s a problem,” says Tara.
"Addiction is an instantly gratifying coping strategy that you’ve learned works to manage the feelings you’re having in the short term,” she continues. “What you need to do to overcome that is to understand what’s driving it.”
Taking the first step
Admitting there’s a problem can be hard. Men, in particular, often avoid or delay seeking help for mental health conditions and substance use disorders because they don’t want to be seen as ‘weak’.
“While usually said with a humorous undertone, the common phrase that men never ask for directions or read the instructions can really impact on the expectations we, as a culture, set for people,” says Tara.
She explains that being part of a community helps us feel secure. If we can’t take part in community activities (like drinking at the pub with our friends), we can feel left out or worry we’ll appear weak.
But asking for help is never weak. Make an appointment with your GP, who can explain the next steps. If you have a trusted friend or relative, ask them to go with you for support.
How to help someone with alcohol addiction
If you’re worried about a friend or family member, the first step is to start a conversation. Approaching them can be difficult, and it’s worth planning what to say and how.
- Avoid talking to them when you’re upset or they’re under the influence.
- Choose a private place, stay calm and tell them you’re concerned about their behaviour.
- Try starting with a phrase like: “I’ve noticed…”, “I’m here for you…” or “I want to support you…”
- Listen to what they have to say. Try not to sound like you’re accusing or judging them.
At first, they might deny they have a problem or become angry. Healthdirect suggests giving them time to process what you’ve said and letting them know you’re happy to talk and offer support when they’re ready.
How is addiction treated?
When most people consider overcoming addiction, they imagine going cold turkey and having to go to daily meetings. This is called the abstinence method. In some cases, though, simply quitting can be harmful unless supervised by a medical professional.
Tara prefers the harm-minimisation approach, which aligns with the National Drug Strategy: “We start to reduce the risks, and learn practical skills and tools to be able to cope with stress and distress,” she explains.
The first step is discovering any underlying causes by asking yourself some questions about why you do what you do. “You need to discover what is the driver behind the problem,” says Tara. “Ask yourself, ‘Am I trying to build connection with my peers? Am I avoiding going home because my relationship is on the rocks?’”
One of the issues is that people often tell themselves (and others) they don’t have a problem. “Track your behaviour,” says Tara. “There are apps you can use, or you can just write it down. I had one client who’d put little balls of paper in his pocket and, when he had a drink, he’d move one ball to the other pocket so he could keep count.
“Tracking means we’re keeping an accurate record, so we can see how much we’re drinking or using, and when we’re doing it. But we’re also giving ourselves an opportunity to do something different in that moment if we want to make a different decision.”
Where to get help
If you or someone you know needs help, ask your GP for advice. They can refer you to a treatment clinic or therapist.
Other helpful resources include:
- National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline (1800 250 015): A free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction.
- SMART Recovery (02 9373 5100): Peer-led, evidence-based, and self-empowering addiction recovery support.
- MensLine Australia (1300 78 99 78): The national telephone and online support, information and referral service for men with family and relationship concerns.
If you’re in crisis and need to speak to someone now, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. In emergencies, call 000.
Need mental health support?
If you or someone you know needs mental health support, eligible RT Health members* can claim for online cognitive behavioural courses delivered by THIS WAY UP. These are evidence-based programs developed by psychiatrists and clinical psychologists, and can help you manage depression, generalised anxiety, social anxiety, health anxiety, panic and more.
Depending on your level of cover, you may also be able to access benefits for mental health services under the psychology annual limit of your cover. Check your RT Health Cover Guide to see what’s available to you.
* THIS WAY UP is available to RT Health members with Deluxe Extras, Top Extras and Smart Extras cover, up to their annual limit of $120 per person, paid under Psychology benefits. The benefit payable will depend on the program you choose.
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