Men’s Health Month – Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) and Men’s Health

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), three in five people who received Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) treatment services are male. Men also account for 30% of Lives Lived Well’s active mental health service enrolments. Yet each November, during Men’s Health Awareness Month, the topic remains largely overlooked. 

So, let’s talk about it. 

Key facts at a glance 

• In 2023–24, around 131,900 Australians aged 10 and over received treatment from publicly-funded AOD services.  

• Of those receiving treatment for their own alcohol or drug use, 60% were male.  

• In that same period, the most common principal drug of concern for clients was alcohol, followed by other substances. 

• According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), among men aged 15-24, mental health and substance use disorders together constitute 4 of the top 5 causes of disease burden.  

• In 2022, data showed that 35.8% of male adults exceeded the guideline for weekly alcohol consumption, compared with 18.1% of females. 

What did we learn from the numbers? 

The data clearly show that men are disproportionately represented in AOD treatment services. A 60% male share in clients suggests that men are broadly more likely to access these services for their own substance use. At the same time, for younger males, the combination of mental health issues with substance dependence places them among the highest-risk groups. 

On the other hand, because alcohol remains the leading drug of concern, and because males are more likely to exceed safe drinking guidelines, it highlights the persistent challenge of alcohol-related harm among men. 

So what can we do to support? 

1. Early intervention: Given that younger men (15-24) are among the most impacted by both mental health and substance use disorders, interventions that engage men early are critical. 
2. Integrated services: Substance use services and mental-health services must work more closely together; the data show substance use and mental health burdens are deeply connected. 
3. Culturally-sensitive approaches: Men from diverse backgrounds, including Indigenous men, gay and queer men, men with disability, rural & remote men, may have unique needs and higher risks. Services must adapt accordingly. 
4. Challenge the stigma: Social norms around masculinity may prevent men from reaching out. Shifting public narrative, creating safe spaces for vulnerability, and using language that invites help are all essential. 
5. Harm reduction and safe drinking messaging: Given the high percentage of men exceeding alcohol guidelines, public health messaging and service responses need to address this head-on, not just the extreme end of dependence, but risk patterns too. 

Let’s not overlook the connection between AOD use and men’s health 

The numbers make it clear: alcohol and other drug use can have a significant impact on men’s health. Understanding these patterns helps us recognise the real-world effects and the importance of addressing both issues together.  

During Men’s Health Awareness Month, we’re highlighting this crucial link and encouraging open conversations about the support men may need. 

At Lives Lived Well, we offer government-funded programs across Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia to support people experiencing AOD concerns. We’re committed to helping the community access the care, respect and guidance they deserve on their recovery journey.