As a national treatment, research and education centre, Turning Point provides leadership in the alcohol and other drug, gambling and mental health sectors.
Our research is shaped by clinical practice, and vice versa. This means that instead of gathering dust, our papers have real-world impact.
By participating, you'll be helping to transform the lives of people affected by alcohol, drug or gambling harms.
Feel free to share these opportunities with your friends, family and colleagues.
To keep up to date with future opportunities, as well as our findings from past projects, register for our ‘Engage for Change’ newsletter, below.
Are you struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and your use of alcohol?
Join our clinical trial of a novel treatment for PTSD and alcohol use problems.
Participation involves an assisted psychotherapy program. The study is randomised and placebo-controlled. The study is entirely confidential and voluntary, and participants will be reimbursed for their time.
Who may be eligible:
- adults 18+ who have been diagnosed with PTSD,
- who are having difficulties cutting down or controlling their drinking, and
- who are willing to participate in a randomised controlled trial and attend on-site treatment sessions in either Sydney or Melbourne.
If you are interested in participating, click below to learn more or email us at: [email protected]
Are you a Victorian resident who would like to quit smoking?
Help researchers at Turning Point test a new “brain-training” app for people who are trying to quit smoking.
Participation involves:
- answering surveys about your tobacco use and cigarette cravings
- setting a quit date (a date in the next week when you will attempt to stop smoking)
- completing attention tests on your phone
- using the brain-training task for just a few minutes per week for 4 weeks.
Who is eligible: Victorian residents aged 18+ years who would like to quit smoking.
Are you a Victorian resident who would like to cut back on your drinking?
Help us trial a new “breathing” app and smartwatch for people who are trying to reduce their alcohol use.
If you are eligible, participating involves:
- answering surveys about your alcohol use, craving, related problems, and quality of life
- using the app and wearable device for 1 month
- doing the breathing exercise twice a day for 1 month
- attending an in-person assessment and orientation session in Richmond, Victoria
- 4 telephone-based breathing training sessions
- one-month and 3-month follow-up assessments online.
Who is eligible: Victorians over 18 years who wish to reduce their alcohol use are invited to complete the questions on the following link to determine if they are eligible.
Have you been diagnosed with a substance use disorder?
Help us improve access to diagnosis and treatment by completing a 20-minute survey.
Participation involves answering questions in an online survey. It is anonymous and confidential, and will take about 20 minutes.
Who is eligible: Adults 18+ who have been diagnosed with, or believe themselves to have, a substance use disorder.
Are you an Australian medical doctor, psychologist, nurse, addiction researcher or psychiatrist?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been linked to substance use patterns. We would like to hear your perspective as a healthcare professional to gain a better understanding of this comorbidity.
Participation involves responding to an online survey. It will take around 10 minutes. It is anonymous and confidential.
Who is eligible: Medical doctors, psychologists, nurses, addiction researchers and psychiatrists. Your experience is valuable to us.
Do you work in Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) services with clients who have experienced trauma?
Help researchers understand how workplace culture, relationships and supervision shape experiences of vicarious trauma and growth.
By sharing your experiences, you can help us improve wellbeing supports across the sector.
Participation involves a confidential interview (approx. 60 mins) via your choice of phone or Zoom.
Who is eligible:
- Healthcare professionals 18+ years, who are currently or formerly employed in frontline roles.
- You must have at least 6 months’ experience in AOD, trauma, or mental health settings, and be comfortable reflecting on emotionally demanding work.
Ethics approved.
To learn more, email: [email protected]
Are you a nurse or midwife willing to share your insights on drinking cultures within your professional community?
Help researchers understand the nature, meaning and purposes of drinking alcohol together with others your occupation group.
Researchers from La Trobe University and Monash University are conducting an online survey to explore the unique dynamics of drinking cultures among nurses. Drinking together (e.g. after work or at work events) can be an important part of nurses’ and midwives’ occupational activities, offering opportunities to socialise, relax, debrief or network.
This research is funded by the Australian Research Council and the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth) and has received ethics approval [HEC24170].
For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact Dr Nyssa Ferguson
Participation in this survey is voluntary and anonymous. You will not be identified.
Who is eligible: People aged 18+ years who are employed as a nurse or midwife and live in Victoria.
Are you seeking access to psychedelics, ketamine or MDMA for a mental health condition?
Are you seeking access to psychedelics, ketamine or MDMA for a mental health condition?
Help us understand how accessible these drugs are and any benefits or harms you have experienced from their use.
Participation involves:
- An initial 20- to 30-minute online survey.
- An option to participate in 20-minute follow-up surveys at 6, 12, and 18 months.
Eligible participants will have the opportunity to enter a prize draw at baseline, 6-, 12-, and 18-month time points.
This study does not involve any treatment or site visits.
Who is eligible: Australian residents aged 18+ years who are seeking access to psychedelics, ketamine or MDMA for mental health conditions.
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