Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L00188:clause:1_20
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L00188
Segment Type: clause
Provision Reference: sch 1 cl 20
Character Range: 65194–67266

20      There is severe functional impact from alcohol, drug or other harmful substance use.

            (1) As a result of a person's substance use disorder they experience at least 3 of the following:

                 (a)                severe difficulties in maintaining self-care, hygiene, nutrition and general health;

                 Example: the person frequently neglects self-care activities, such as showering, washing clothes and eating meals as a result of their substance use.

                 (b)                severe difficulties in prioritising activities that are not related to the procurement or use of a substance, despite harm or negative consequences;

                 Example 1: the person prioritises purchasing substances of purchasing necessities, such as food.

                 Example 2: the person engages in harmful substance use behaviour despite severe health consequences.

                 (c)                severe physical or cognitive impairment resulting from chronic and ongoing use of a substance;

                 Example: the person has a diagnosed condition, such as end organ damage, psychological or psychiatric assessment showing sustained and significant impairment or behavioural dysfunction linked to brain damage resulting from their substance use.

                 (d)                severe difficulties in withdrawing from a substance or avoiding harmful use of a substance;

                 Example 1: the person experiences brief or limited periods of remission, if it occurs at all.

                 Example 2: the person experiences severe withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures, when they abstain from substance use.

                 (e)                frequent absences from work, education or training activities

                 Example 1: the person is rarely able to attend work due to the ongoing effects of substance use.

                 Example 2: the person has severe difficulty sustaining employment due to the potential harm to self or others, including aggressive or risky behaviours.