Talking Point: How do we develop an effective alcohol and drug treatment system?

Overview

What does the existing evidence tell us about the design of an effective alcohol and drug treatment system?

Drawing on work conducted to inform alcohol and drug service planning in Victoria, this presentation explores the evidence of what works in alcohol and drug treatment and for whom, as well as the key factors that impact outcomes. It describes models of how to develop responses to the differing needs of individuals with alcohol and drug use disorders, and how that literature informs service planning.

This presentation provides essential information for anyone working in the alcohol and other drug sector, as well as planners and funders.

Presenter

Professor Dan Lubman is a Psychiatrist and Addiction Medicine Specialist. He has worked across mental health and drug treatment settings in both the UK and Australia. He is Director of Turning Point, Australia’s national addiction treatment, training and research centre, and Professor of Addiction Studies and Services at Monash University.

Dr Lubman’s research is wide-ranging and includes investigating the impact of alcohol and drug use on brain function, the relationship between substance use, gambling and mental disorder, the development of targeted telephone, online and face-to-face intervention programs within school, primary care, mental health and drug treatment settings, as well as building effective help-seeking and recovery responses.

Dr Lubman has published over 400 peer-reviewed scientific papers, book chapters and major reports, and was Chair of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists’ (RANZCP) Faculty of Addiction Psychiatry for over a decade. He is regularly contacted for policy advice and community comment, and sits on numerous State and Commonwealth expert reference committees, including Victoria’s Ice Action Taskforce as well as its Mental Health Expert Taskforce. He has received numerous awards, including the Senior Scientist Award from the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and Other Drugs, as well as the RANZCP Senior Research Award.

Learn more about Professor Dan Lubman