News

Congratulations to Dr Michael Savic who is the recipient of an Australian Research Council (ARC) Special Research Initiative grant. The ARC Special Research Initiative is designed to support excellent research into Australian society, history and culture; and build Australian research capacity by supporting researchers of the highest international standing.

COVID-19 has seen an increase in the use of telehealth and online counselling for the delivery of mental health and addiction treatment. But would people talk to a chatbot – an artificially intelligent, computer program that aims to simulate human conversation – if they had concerns about their substance use?

Today is World Mental Health Day, a day to raise awareness of mental health issues and the importance of mental health help and support.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) have launched the National Suicide and Self-harm Monitoring Project that includes new national data from state and territory ambulance services attained through Turning Point and Monash University’s National Ambulance Surveillance System (NASS).

An Australian study conducted by Turning Point, Monash University and the National Drug Research Institute has found that people who stop smoking are more likely to have successful outcomes, including reductions in substance use and substance dependence, when seeking treatment for addiction.

The alcohol industry is mounting an active campaign to persuade politicians and the public that opening licensed venues is important for the Victorian recovery.

Every year, on the ninth day of the ninth month, we observe International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day.

For the fifth consecutive year, more than 2000 Australians have died as a result of a drug overdose, highlighting the urgent need to prioritise public health interventions and policies that work.

August 31 marks International Overdose Awareness Day; a global event aimed at raising awareness of overdose and reducing the stigma associated with drug-related deaths.

Researchers from Turning Point and Monash University are trialling a new smartphone app they have developed called ‘SWIPE’ which aims to help people reduce their alcohol cravings and consumption.

Often the road is long, but there is hope and recovery is possible. We spoke to Patrick about his lifelong struggle with addiction and how his treatment with Turning Point helped him get on track.

Many Victorian families are facing increasing financial and social pressures, and extended isolation in the home. In addition to this, we are hearing reports of increases in alcohol and other drug use, making it an important time to understand workforce capacity in responding to family/child and AOD issues.