What is Achieving balance

Achieving balance is the Queensland Government’s 5 year plan to reduce alcohol and other drug-related harm and improve outcomes for individuals, families and communities.

The pillars of harm minimisation

It guides Queensland’s approach through the pillars of harm minimisation:

  • Harm reduction

  • Demand reduction

  • Supply reduction

Queensland's approach to alcohol and other drugs

Read Achieving balance: The Queensland Alcohol and Other Drugs Plan 2022–2027 to learn more about Queensland's approach to alcohol and other drugs.

We consulted with more than 840 stakeholders across Queensland to develop the plan. Learn more in our Consultation report: Informing Queensland’s renewed alcohol and other drugs plan.

Why reducing alcohol and other drug-related harm matters

Alcohol and other drug use is part of life for many Queenslanders. While most use is responsible, harmful use can affect people, families and communities.

Alcohol and other drug-related harm is complex and can affect many areas of life. Addressing it requires coordinated action across sectors.

  • Alcohol is the most harmful substance overall in Australia
  • 1.2 million Queenslanders (or 1 in 3) exceed single occasion risky drinking each month
  • Alcohol contributes to 45,000 hospitalisations in Queensland each year
  • Almost 20% of Queenslanders used illicit drugs in 2019
  • Illicit drug use by young people has decreased by 6% since 2001 in Australia
  • Drug use contributes to 11,200 hospitalisations in Queensland each year

Focus areas

Achieving balance focuses on 3 areas for action.

  • 1. Vulnerability

    Individual and family level: Recognising vulnerability and addressing the underlying causes of problematic alcohol and drug use can reduce harm.

  • 2. Harm and safety

    Community level: Responding to alcohol and other drug-related harm contributes to safer, healthier and more resilient communities.

  • 3. Impact

    Systems level: Reducing harm requires connected planning, information sharing and coordinated action across systems and services.

Strategic priorities

  • Prevention and early intervention

  • Enhance treatment and support systems

  • Expand diversion

  • Reduce stigma and discrimination

  • Reduce harm

Relationship to Shifting minds

Achieving balance supports the Queensland Government’s 5 year strategic plan, Shifting minds.

Progress updates

Read our progress updates on Achieving balance.

Last updated:   September 2026

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