Considerations for specific populations in substance use and addictive behaviours

Specific populations may have particular risks from substance use or addictive behaviours; some may be more vulnerable to harms at lower levels of use, or harms that are more likely to be overlooked. Interventions and resources specific to their situation may be relevant, such as referral to a specialist or collaboration with a specialist service. Considerations include:

• age
• gender and sexuality
• Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin
• other cultural and language considerations
• mental illness
• chronic pain
• other populations such as patients with other comorbidities, developmental disabilities, people recently released from prison, specific occupational groups, and patients with palliative care needs.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding considerations in substance use are discussed in the substance-specific topics in these guidelines.