The Facts
With any serious issue, its always important to differentiate the truth from myths and rumours.
The Salvation Army has compiled 'The Facts' series in order to help you understand the risks and consequences associated with social issues like binge drinking, problem gambling and drug use.
Our research has been drawn from professional reports and studies, and has been further verified by experts from academic and social work backgrounds, including Salvation Army staff who confront these issues every day.
The Facts: Binge Drinking and Alcohol Abuse
Do you know that drinking alcohol can increase the risk of cancer? Research commissioned by The Salvation Army in 2006 revealed that only 12% of Australians were certain that there were links between alcohol and cancer, even though it has been proven that drinking alcohol increases the risk of mouth, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, liver and breast cancers.
In response, The Salvation Army compiled 'The Facts: Binge Drinking and Alcohol Abuse' to make sure that Australians have access to information on the risk factors associated with alcohol.
The Facts: Dealing With Problem Gambling
There are over 300,000 problem gamblers in Australia, but for every one problem gambler, many more people are impacted - usually family, friends and employers - creating a flow that affects more than two million people nationally.
Anyone can become a problem gambler, and problems can develop quite quickly. This is not a problem that discriminates based on age, income, education, or ethnic background. Make sure you're aware of the dangers and warning signs!
The Facts: ICE
People from all walks of life use methamphetamines like ICE, many of whom are well-educated people who begin a tragic journey into addiction at dance parties or concerts. ICE has become the current social drug of choice in Australia.
Once again though, the facts are scary. ICE is more addictive than heroin, can be 20 times stronger than speed, and is much cheaper and more accessible. Throughout Australia there are now more people addicted to ICE than to heroin.
Make sure you know the facts about ICE (online exclusive).
Dangers of Drugs
Whether you’re a teenager considering experimenting with drugs, a drug user, a concerned friend and citizen, or a worried parent, it’s vital for us all to be informed about the negative health effects of illicit drugs and alcohol.
The experience of Salvation Army workers at the coalface is that there is no positive side to illicit drug use and alcohol abuse, so we haven't spent a lot of time telling you about harm-minimisation and safe-usage. The simple message?: Illicit drug use is dangerous, illegal and ultimately deadly.