Substance Abuse (Mild-to-Moderate)
It is not uncommon for people experiencing mental health conditions to also use alcohol or drugs as a way of coping. Sometimes, this substance use develops into an additional problem, known as co-occurring or dual diagnosis. Even when the substance use is mild-to-moderate, it can complicate treatment, worsen symptoms, and make recovery more difficult.
At Sunshine Clinic Private Hospital, we understand the close link between substance use and mental health. Our psychiatrists, psychologists, and counsellors provide integrated care that addresses both issues together. We offer safe, structured inpatient care when stabilisation is needed and supportive outpatient day programs designed to help patients move towards long-term recovery.
Types of Disorders Treated
Alcohol Use with Mental Health Conditions
Overview
Alcohol is one of the most commonly used substances in Australia, and it can temporarily ease stress or sadness. However, for people living with anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions, alcohol can quickly become a harmful coping strategy. Even moderate misuse can worsen symptoms and interfere with recovery.
Causes
Alcohol use often begins as a way of managing stress, loneliness, or emotional pain. Social acceptance of drinking in Australia can also normalise harmful patterns.
Prevalence in Australia
About one in four Australians drink alcohol at levels that place them at risk of harm. Approximately 6% are estimated to meet criteria for alcohol use disorder.
Risk Factors
Co-occurring depression or anxiety, family history of substance use, stressful life events, and lack of support networks.
Treatment Options
At Sunshine Clinic, we provide tailored programs that combine therapy for mental health with alcohol-use management. Options include inpatient detox if needed, outpatient CBT or ACT, mindfulness, and group therapy. We also involve families where possible to strengthen support at home.
Cannabis Use and Mental Health
Overview
Cannabis is often perceived as harmless, but regular use can increase the risk of anxiety, paranoia, or even psychotic symptoms, particularly in vulnerable individuals. For those already managing a mood or psychotic disorder, cannabis can worsen symptoms and slow recovery.
Causes
Many people use cannabis to relieve stress, improve sleep, or escape from emotional pain. Over time, tolerance and dependence may develop.
Prevalence in Australia
Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in Australia, with around 11% of adults reporting recent use. Dependence develops in about 1 in 10 regular users.
Treatment Options
Our hospital offers both inpatient support for stabilisation and outpatient day programs focused on reducing use. CBT, mindfulness, and psychoeducation help patients understand the impact of cannabis on mental health and build alternative coping strategies.
Prescription Medication Misuse
Overview
Prescription drugs such as benzodiazepines (for anxiety) or opioid painkillers can be effective when used correctly but are sometimes misused. Mild-to-moderate misuse may begin unintentionally and escalate gradually, creating dependency.
Causes
Extended prescriptions, unmanaged stress, chronic pain, or difficulty sleeping may contribute.
Prevalence in Australia
Research suggests around 600,000 Australians misuse prescription medication each year, with benzodiazepines and opioids the most commonly involved.
Treatment Options
At Sunshine Clinic, our clinicians provide safe withdrawal management when required and structured outpatient therapies to address both the underlying mental health condition and prescription misuse. ACT and DBT can help patients develop healthier coping mechanisms, while rTMS may support those with co-existing depression.
Stimulant Use (Mild-to-Moderate)
Overview
Stimulants such as methamphetamine or cocaine can cause feelings of energy and alertness, but they often worsen anxiety, paranoia, or mood swings. Even mild-to-moderate use places individuals at risk of psychotic symptoms or severe anxiety.
Causes
Stimulants are often used for energy, social confidence, or weight loss but can quickly lead to dependency.
Prevalence in Australia
Around 1.3 million Australians report using stimulants each year, with methamphetamine being a particular concern due to its link with mental health crises.
Treatment Options
Sunshine Clinic provides a safe and structured environment for patients reducing stimulant use. Outpatient programs use CBT, DBT, and mindfulness to reduce cravings and teach healthier stress management.
Emerging Personality Disorders
Overview
In some individuals, personality disorder traits emerge in adolescence or early adulthood. These may include unstable emotions, impulsivity, or persistent difficulties in relationships. Early recognition and treatment are crucial to preventing symptoms from worsening.
Causes
Emerging personality disorders often develop from a combination of genetic risk and environmental influences, particularly early life trauma or chronic stress.
Prevalence in Australia
Research indicates that around 10% of young people may show emerging personality disorder traits. Early intervention is strongly recommended.
Treatment Options
Sunshine Clinic offers outpatient programs tailored for young people showing early signs of personality difficulties. These may include DBT skills training, mindfulness, and creative therapies to build resilience and improve emotional regulation before symptoms become entrenched.
Stabilised Personality Disorders
Overview
Some individuals living with personality disorders reach a stabilised stage, where symptoms are less severe but ongoing support is still needed. Patients may benefit from regular therapy to maintain stability, prevent relapse, and improve quality of life.
Treatment Options
Stabilised personality disorders are often managed through ongoing outpatient therapy, such as ACT, CBT, or DBT. Inpatient care may be considered during stressful life events or if symptoms escalate. Sunshine Clinic provides a supportive, structured environment to help patients maintain recovery and independence.
Understanding Dual Diagnosis
When substance use and mental health conditions occur together, they interact in complex ways. Substance use may mask or worsen psychiatric symptoms, while untreated mental illness can drive ongoing substance use. Treating one condition without addressing the other often leads to relapse.
Shared risk factors such as genetics, trauma, and stress contribute to both substance use and mental illness.
Around half of all Australians with substance use disorders also experience a mental health condition, highlighting the need for integrated care.
At Sunshine Clinic Private Hospital, our treatment model addresses both conditions simultaneously. Inpatient programs provide stabilisation, while outpatient therapies include ACT, CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and creative therapies. This integrated approach improves outcomes and reduces relapse risk.
Why Choose Sunshine Clinic Private Hospital?
At Sunshine Clinic, we believe that even mild-to-moderate substance use should not be ignored, especially when it interacts with mental health. Early intervention can prevent escalation, reduce harm, and improve quality of life.
Our approach includes:
- Comprehensive care from psychiatrists, psychologists, and counsellors experienced in dual diagnosis
- Safe inpatient services for stabilisation
- Outpatient day programs combining evidence-based therapies with supportive, creative approaches
- Innovative treatments such as rTMS for co-occurring depression and anxiety
- A compassionate environment where patients and families are supported at every step
With the right treatment, people with co-occurring substance use and mental health conditions can recover, stabilise, and thrive. Sunshine Clinic Private Hospital is here to provide that pathway forward.
Comprehensive Private Mental Health Care in Melbourne’s West
Sunshine Clinic offers psychiatry consulting services, as well as inpatient and outpatient programs tailored to support recovery, resilience, and long-term wellbeing.