The WA Alcohol and Other Drug Sector Conference 2021 aims to provide a platform for esteemed local, national and international speakers with presentations that reflect contemporary issues affecting the sector. The conference theme is Shifting perspective: Alcohol and other drugs, everybody’s story. Presentations will be informed by the following conference topics: the impact of COVID-19 co-occurring […]

Description The Indigenous Wellbeing Conference will provide delegates with information about the latest Indigenous-led, grassroot programs and projects taking place around the nation and across the seas. Attendees will learn how to implement practical evidence-based research into their service, and gain a greater understanding of Indigenous protocols, practices, and considerations. The conference program will provide delegates […]

In support and awareness of Mental Health Week (9-16 October 2021), nurse practitioner/mental health nurse Jen Cullen will present a webinar on this important topic. Mental health includes an individual's emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. It affects how they perform, feel, think and react. Mental health affects all ages and stages of life from children […]

This is a not-for-profit family friendly festive event to celebrated National Mental Health Week 2021. This highly visible festival is being planned by a wide range of groups and individuals with links to many with mental health issues. Their experience will aid in restoring and building community connections and cohesiveness and reduce stigma associated with […]

World Mental Health Day (WMHD) is a day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy.  The theme for WMHD 2021 in Australia is, Look after your mental health, Australia. Mental Health Australia is funded to run a national awareness campaign in Australia for WMHD 2021.

Faye Lawrence had been a heavy but high functioning drinker since her teens – almost 30 years – before she wound up in inpatient detox in 2017.  Shortly afterwards she started Untoxicated (Booze-Free Fun and Friendship) which has grown to be a national charity and not-for-profit with almost 10,000 members across Australia. Hear how Faye […]

Newborn drug withdrawal is often attributed to maternal opioids, but many other drugs can cause serious problems in the newborn infant. The impact of prenatal substance exposure extends beyond the newborn period and may have serious long-term consequences on the infant until adulthood. Early identification, intervention and awareness of the potential problems caused by maternal […]

Motivational interviewing is a collaborative, goal-oriented style of communication with particular attention to the language of change, and is a highly recommended, evidence-based approach to helping people address their substance use behaviours.  It is recommended for all practitioners based in AOD and mental health settings who provide direct support to people experiencing substance use concerns. […]

This forum aims to provide opportunities to identify and discuss gaps and barriers to culturally capable and effective service provision for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The program will include: an epidemiological overview of the current bloodborne virus and sexually transmissible infections environment in North Qld a profile of the clinical, policy and service delivery […]

Please note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions please check with event organisers for all face to face events. The International Mental Health Conference is aimed to promote best practice to professionals, workers and volunteers. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to grow meaningful connections and gain insight into the implementation of meaningful solutions to mental health […]

The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) Annual Research Symposium 2021 will showcase the wide variety and depth of research and programs at NDARC, as well as highlight the work of their peer organisations, facilitate dynamic discussions and provide opportunities to create new connections. It will be held across three days and will include both online […]

The Kombi Clinic is a four-member, Hepatitis C outreach model of care bringing all the essential elements of testing, treatment and cure to marginalised and homeless people. Their laid-back approach allows them to offer a simple and tailored service helping to destigmatise HCV and make folks feel welcome and less intimidated. This presentation will highlight […]

In the third seminar of our Spotlight on Stigma series, we will explore the organisation and structure of health systems. Our expert panel will discuss how these organisational and structural factors can produce stigma and give us tools for tackling stigma within health systems. Sione Crawford has been working in peer-based organisations of people who use drugs since […]

In Victoria DFV training is focused on building the capacity of the sector to be able to respond to their responsibilities to the new family violence information sharing scheme (FVISS) and to be able to screen and assess for family violence using the multi-agency risk assessment and management framework (MARAM). Building on this important baseline, […]

Presenter: Dr Alana Fisher (Research Fellow, eCentre Clinic, Macquarie University) By the end of this webinar, attendees will be able to: Identify the key rationale for and components of shared decision-making in clinical practice; Articulate the potential benefits of shared decision-making for mental health populations, including those with co-occurring alcohol and other drug use conditions; […]

How does ketamine work in the treatment of Substance Use Disorders and Mental Health? How is it used around the world and what the evidence?  Dr Nikola Ognyenovits is an Addiction Medicine Specialist. He has a strong interest in the clinical management and research in substance use disorders, behavioural addictions and associated mental health conditions, including developmental […]

Online attendance: Please log on to Zoom at 10.25am for a 10.30am start. Please ensure you test your microphone and speakers prior to commencement and keep your camera on when possible. In person attendance: 10am arrival for a 10.30am start. Location is at Karstens, Level 24, 215 Adelaide St, Brisbane City QLD 4000. Networking lunch […]

These free one hour symposiums will showcase the work of the Centre of Research Excellence (CRE): Indigenous Health and Alcohol. Presenters are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander researchers who bring a unique insight into the challenges and opportunities in the field. The symposiums will include these topics: Treating alcohol dependence in rehab or prison presented […]

This presentation aims to provide the health care professional with the principles of rational prescribing and dispensing of benzodiazepines and z-drugs, as well as recommendations of best practice for tapering and discontinuation of these medicines when applicable. Debbie Rigby is an Advanced Practice Pharmacist with postgraduate qualifications in clinical pharmacy, geriatrics and respiratory medicine. Her […]

Relapse prevention is about building the capacity of individuals to maintain and sustain positive changes with their substance use. This 1-day workshop is designed for practitioners who provide direct support to people with AOD concerns who wish to better understand and communicate strategies, tools and techniques that can help someone stay in recovery through the […]

Prerequisite eLearning: Online Induction Material – Module 2  NB: This course is a pre-requisite for the “Assessing and Managing Withdrawal” workshop. This workshop covers foundational knowledge and concepts required to work in the alcohol and other drug field. Topics covered include: History of substance use, statistics, prevalence and rates of use Moral, legal, disease and […]

2021 APSAD Brisbane Hybrid Conference will bring Australian and New Zealand alcohol and other drugs workers together in a multidisciplinary event celebrating 40 years of Bridging Knowledge and Practice. SUPER EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR THE 2021 APSAD HYBRID CONFERENCE Register to attend the Brisbane Conference in person by Tuesday 27 April and take […]

360Edge’s alcohol and other drug cognitive behaviour therapy experts, Professor Nicole Lee, past President and Honorary Fellow of the AACBT, and Paula Ross, Counselling Psychologist and clinical expert, present this top rated four day workshop. It has been developed especially for alcohol and other drug workers, particularly those in counselling or case management roles, who […]

Reflective Practice Groups (RPGs) aim to promote reflection and critical thinking, provide support, foster team cohesion and help mitigate stress and compassion fatigue in healthcare workers. This talk will explore how RPG can support the interpersonal aspects of caring and explore complex clinical and practice issues in a supportive group environment. Chris is a Clinical […]

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers (A&TSIHWs) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners (A&TSIHPs) are crucial in the elimination of hepatitis C. The Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM) invites A&TSIHWs and A&TSIHPs to join them for this free online workshop to yarn about hepatitis C with […]

Prerequisite: eLearning - Induction - Module 4 - AOD Clinical Assessment This interactive workshop introduces participants to clinical assessment for alcohol and other drug problems. Topics covered include: raising the issue of alcohol and other drug use with clients screening instruments assessment instruments bio-psychosocial elements of assessment situational alcohol and other drug risks practical skill […]

Young people aged under 18 experience different tobacco related harms to adults and current smoking cessation treatments and policy are focussed on adults and don’t respond to harms unique to young. This presentation will summarise a qualitative study conducted with clinicians from multiple disciplines and across several settings around the barriers to smoking cessation in […]

Crystalline methamphetamine (“ice”) is a significant and growing public health concern in Australia, with approximately 300,000 people now dependent on this drug. There are currently no approved pharmacotherapies that can be delivered as a scaleable and cost-effective treatment to meet the growing treatment demand. Mirtazapine, an approved antidepressant medication, has recently been identified in early […]

These free one hour symposiums will showcase the work of the Centre of Research Excellence (CRE): Indigenous Health and Alcohol. Presenters are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander researchers who bring a unique insight into the challenges and opportunities in the field. The symposiums will include these topics: Treating alcohol dependence in rehab or prison presented […]

Pharmaceutical drugs of dependence are a group of drugs that have a recognized therapeutic need but are associated with a higher potential for misuse, abuse and dependence compared with other prescription drugs. These drugs are commonly used to treat a wide variety of disorders the affect women of a reproductive age, including severe pain (opioid […]

Prerequisite: Online Induction Material – Module 5 This workshop develops core skills in working with clients who are ambivalent about making change to their substance use. This interactive skills-based course covers: motivational interviewing principles and processes using the OARS micro-counselling skills brief motivational assessment motivational interviewing strategies practical skills development. Presenter: Jennifer Brazier Please directly contact Jennifer.Brazier@health.qld.gov.au for […]

Presenter: Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin (University of Newcastle), Dr. Adrian Dunlop (University of Newcastle and Hunter New England Local Health District) and Dr. Lawrence Dadd (Hunter New England Local Health District) By the end of this webinar, attendees will be able to: Understand the relationship between substance use, mental health and physical comorbidity; Understand the challenges […]

Global regulation of substances was dominated by the United Nations Single Convention of Narcotic Drugs in 1961 which was followed by the Convention of Psychotropic Substances in 1971. So began the “war on drugs”. This presentation will look at differing global approaches to the control of substances and highlight the differences between decriminalisation and legalisation. […]

Alcohol and other drug work can be challenging and comes with a high rate of burnout. As it can be mentally demanding work, you want to employ self care strategies to prevent burnt out. In this workshop, you will find out what it takes to not just survive but thrive while working in the alcohol […]

In the context of global declines in alcohol consumption, studies have recently shown that middle-aged women’s alcohol use has increased in the past decade. This webinar will describe findings from three studies on adult women’s alcohol use, including trends over time in alcohol use, correlates of risky use, qualitative research on social practices including wine […]

Prerequisite: eLearning - Induction – Module 6 - Relapse Prevention and Management This workshop will equip workers with practical and positive strategies to assist clients who experience difficulty maintaining their drug use goals including preventing and managing relapse. Topics covered include: precursors of relapse the Resolution Breakdown model identifying high risk situations for substance use […]

The 2021 Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) National Conference aims to build on the strengths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and celebrate the achievements and innovation in allied health. This conference will bring together the largest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander allied health workforce audience to network, create personal and cultural connections, and hear from […]

This event is a two hour interactive Zoom session exploring good practice responses to sexual health issues in the context of alcohol and other drugs treatment and harm reduction. The session features guest speakers: Emily Buster - Senior Public Health Officer (Communicable Diseases Branch) Robert Kemp - Principal Public Health Officer (Communicable Diseases Branch) Simon […]

For the final presentation of the year a panel of esteemed AOD experts will attempt to answer the complex and curly questions you have submitted over the previous 6 months. Test out their smarts as part of a forum for discussion and knowledge exploration - one which may just provide the answer to that question […]

Please note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic please check with event organisers for all face to face events. The Indigenous Wellbeing Conference will provide delegates with information about the latest Indigenous-led, grassroot programs and projects taking place around the nation and across the seas. Attendees will learn how to implement practical evidence-based research into their service, and […]

Please be advised: Due to COVID-19 disruptions please check directly with the event organiser for the latest updates on face-to-face events. This conference aims to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, strengths and successes in child and family services across Australia. Delegates will have the opportunity to showcase culturally appropriate best practices that contribute to […]

Deep dive into the 5-step model of family intervention to provide advanced treatment for families when alcohol or other drugs are a factor. More information coming soon! Cost: Earlybird: $495 | Standard: $655 | (Book 5 or more spaces for your team and save an additional 10% off the earlybird rate) Facilitator: Paula Ross More Information

Presenters: Professor Katherine Mills (The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney) and Logan Harvey (PhD candidate, The Matilda Centre, Clinical Psychologist) By the end of this webinar, attendees will be able to: Understand the relationship between trauma, post-traumatic stress, and substance use; Identify how trauma-related issues can impact […]

This workshop is a practical, trauma-informed professional development opportunity aiming to develop skills and confidence to support children who have experienced domestic and family violence. This workshop draws on a range of trauma-informed expressive therapies and strength-based practice to promote the safety and wellbeing of children affected by family and domestic violence. It also outlines […]

Understand the inner workings of the brain on drugs and how to work effectively with cognitive impairment Alcohol and other drugs can affect the brain in both consistent and idiosyncratic ways. In this workshop, learn about the parts of the brain that can be affected by drug use and the impact on functioning. You will […]

Vaping nicotine is a safer alternative for adult smokers who are unable to quit. Smokers who switch to vaping are exposed to far fewer toxins in much lower doses and have significant health improvements. The long-term effects of vaping are unknown but vaping has been estimated to be at least 95% less harmful than smoking. […]

This workshop is a practical, trauma-informed professional development opportunity aiming to develop skills and confidence to support children who have experienced domestic and family violence. This workshop draws on a range of trauma-informed expressive therapies and strength-based practice to promote the safety and wellbeing of children affected by family and domestic violence. It also outlines […]

The Association of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies NT (AADANT) Professional Development Forum 2022 will host social worker and trauma specialist Lauren Buckley who will present Substance Use and Trauma: A Neurobiological Approach. In this workshop participants will learn: how the brain and nervous system work and how trauma creates stress in the body why clients […]

Learn how to apply key CBT skills in alcohol and other drug settings This workshop offers a practical introduction to core practice skills in alcohol and other drug treatment. You will improve your understanding of CBT theory and practice and learn a comprehensive CBT framework that will deepen your understanding and enable you to tailor […]

The regulation of tobacco and substances that have traditionally been Illicit (e.g., cannabis) are heading in opposite directions with tobacco policies heading toward sales bans, while many jurisdictions have moved to legalise cannabis. This convergence in control approaches offers opportunities for policy researchers to learn from the illicit drug policy field in reforming the regulation […]