GP resource - AOD and mental health in young people

This resource is a ‘snapshot’ of evidence-based information for general practitioners.

It covers:

  • having age-appropriate and non-stigmatising conversations about alcohol and other drugs (AOD) with young people and/or their parents/carers
  • understanding the function of AOD use in young people
  • recognising when a young person might have co-occurring mental health and AOD needs
  • what AOD-specific and dual diagnosis services are available for young people
  • resource options for young people/parents and carers who are seeking more information about AOD.
This work was developed in collaboration with the Royal College of General Practitioners Victoria with funding from the Victorian Department of Health. Therefore, some information may not be relevant to other states/territories.

AOD use in young people

Experimenting with, and using, alcohol and other drugs (AOD) can be part of life for many young people (12-25 years).

And, just like adults there’s many reasons why young people use AOD...

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Supporting young people

When young people feel safe to chat with GPs and other health professionals about their AOD use, it can help them minimise harm and get the right kind of support, if needed. This isn’t always easy, but here are some things that can help...

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Youth AOD services

There are many different types of AOD support options for young people.

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