Queensland Health’s It Can’t Hurt To Ask podcast is back with season 3, and episode 4 takes on a subject that is often difficult but necessary to discuss: substance use. Alcohol, recreational drugs, and performance enhancers all feature in this wide-ranging conversation, which includes both lived experiences and expert insights. The episode comes with a content warning, reminding listeners that drug and alcohol use is complex and can’t be fully captured in one discussion.

The episode’s expert voice is Himalaya, an Advance Peer Worker at Ipswich Hospital’s Alcohol and Other Drug Service. Drawing from both professional practice and lived experience, Himalaya explains how alcohol and drugs affect the body and mind, why people start and continue to use substances, and what risks come with short- and long-term use. He also speaks openly about the challenges of withdrawal, describing why alcohol dependence can in some cases be harder to come off than heroin, and highlights the importance of safe, non-judgmental support.

Listeners also hear from two Queenslanders: Tim, who shares how binge drinking shaped his youth and how many in his circle turned to cheaper illicit drugs, and Phoenix, who raises the risks of mixing alcohol with other substances. Their stories underline how accessible and normalized alcohol is in Australian culture, and how substance use can ripple outward to affect families, relationships, and communities. Himalaya stresses that stigma and discrimination often prevent people from seeking help, making empathy and safe spaces crucial.

The episode provides practical takeaways for anyone concerned about their own or a loved one’s substance use. It covers signs to watch for, the dangers of poly-drug use, and harm reduction strategies, including the availability of naloxone and drug-checking kits. It also reminds listeners of Australia’s alcohol guidelines, which state there is no completely safe level of drinking.

Find more from adis.health.qld.gov.au (Australia, August 2025)