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 […]

Understand what really makes motivational interviewing tick Gain core motivational interviewing skills and a deep understanding of the spirit and philosophy of motivational interviewing in this interactive online workshop so you can adapt it to any client or situation. Motivational interviewing is an essential skill for alcohol and other drug workers that has a powerful […]

While much is known about the prevalence and associated harms of prescription opioid and benzodiazepine misuse, knowledge is still emerging about other prescription drug misuse. More recently the spotlight has been on second generation antipsychotics such as quetiapine, prescription stimulants and pregabalin. This presentation will examine what is currently know about the prevalence, population characteristics […]

The theme of the 2022 Frontline Mental Health Conference is Working together - Exploring an integrated health wellbeing approach. The conference will provide delegates the opportunity to share their approach to greater frontline mental health care, including: current mental health care practices in your organisation research findings from enquiries, reports, and agency surveys frontline leadership lived-experience learnings gaps […]

Gain advanced clinical practice skills in working with families  Work more effectively with families and carers of people who use alcohol and other drugs, whether the person using drugs is in treatment or not. This workshop focuses on the impact of alcohol and other drugs on families and models of responding using principles of Jim […]

This seminar will report on the findings of the CoLAB qualitative study which aimed to examine the multiple social, material and temporal effects of extended-release buprenorphine depot (BUP-XR) treatment in clients’ lives, among a group of participants receiving BUP-XR in Australia, and consider the situated potentials of these new opioid agonist treatment technologies. In particular, […]

Prenatal drug exposure is one of the fastest growing public health problems in the world. A great deal of attention is focused on treating the infant's withdrawal after birth and reducing duration of hospitalisation but emerging evidence shows that later problems, such as increased risk of death, disability and intra-generational disadvantage. The focus on identifying, […]

There is increasing recognition of the value of the AOD peer workforce. However, less is known about AOD workers who have lived and living experience of AOD use, but do not work in designated peer roles. This presentation provides an overview of the demographic and professional profile of AOD workers with lived and living experience, […]

Respond sensitively and effectively to people who have experienced trauma  A large proportion of people in alcohol and other drug treatment have experienced trauma as a child or adult. In this interactive online workshop, learn how to deliver alcohol and other drug treatment in a trauma informed way to improve outcomes. You will also learn […]

About this event The seminar will give an overview of a study that investigates the impact of opioid agonist treatment (OAT) on hospitalisations for injecting-related diseases using large administrative health data. The sample includes people who have been prescribed OAT in New South Wales from 2001 to 2017. We compared the incidence rates of hospitalisations […]

The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Conference is designed to provide practical skills, relevant information, personal insight, and strategies for professionals committed to the mental health and wellbeing of young people. The conference theme is Listen, learn and co-design: Establishing partnerships with children, young people and families. This theme focuses on incorporating all stakeholders in the delivery of […]

Join in to hear all about the Deadly Liver Mob program which is an incentivised, peer-led program that offers education and screening for hepatitis C, hepatitis B and STIs for Aboriginal people. You will hear from the Aboriginal workers who worked with communities, the program designers, partners and sponsors. You will hear about the evaluation of DLM […]

About this event This presentation will focus on the strategies used by alcohol marketers to promote their products, impending trends in alcohol distribution, effective approaches for messaging about alcohol-related harms, and public support for a range of alcohol control policies. About the speaker Professor Simone Pettigrew is Program Director, Health Promotion and Behavior Change at […]

The Association of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies NT (AADANT) will hold their annual drug and alcohol conference in Darwin NT. The target audience of the conference is the NT alcohol and other drug sector. The theme is Fundamentally strong. The conference aims to: explore the underlying causes of drug and alcohol dependence provide skills and tips to […]

This presentation will discuss projects designed to bring services together to address the "cracks" in the system for people with co-occurring mental health and drug and alcohol conditions. The aims of the projects were to improve the identification of, and treatment or assistance (where appropriate) for people with co-occurring serious mental health and drug and […]

Exploring a new perspective on AOD worker wellbeing that reflects the complexity of AOD worker - simultaneous experience of burnout & engagement. Includes reflections on implications for workplace wellbeing strategies and responses.  Dr Natalie Skinner - Senior Research Fellow, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI), College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University 

Effectively blend motivational interviewing and CBT to achieve better client outcomes Boost your effectiveness with clients by seamlessly integrating these two key approaches in alcohol and other drug treatment. Through this interactive one-day workshop, you learn where these two core approaches overlap and where they are unique and how to move seamlessly between them. Learning […]

LGBTI people report disproportionately higher rates of AOD use and harms. Stigma towards sexual and gender minorities creates additional barriers to treatment. ACON has a long history of LGBTI community engagement and provides AOD treatment. This presentation reports on an Evaluation of ACON’s Substance Support Service, an outpatient counselling service for LGBTI and other sexually […]

The 2022 Australian and New Zealand Addiction Conference theme will be Bold dreams and new directions. Topics discussed at the conference will include: prevention, promotion and early intervention intervention, withdrawal and treatment aftercare and peer support. Important dates: Friday 10 December 2021: presentation submissions close Friday 4 February 2022: presenter acceptance and registration due Thursday 10 February […]

This presentation will provide a brief overview of the outcomes of a project investigating individual dosages, co-detections and purity of illicit MDMA tablets and capsules seized across Queensland. General trends in the Queensland illicit drug market will also be discussed. Shiona Croft has worked as a forensic chemist within the illicit drug team at Queensland […]

The inaugural FASD Forum '22 Conference aims to provide an opportunity for everyone interested in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) to hear from research-leading and lived-experience experts. The conference theme is FASD@50 reflecting that it is 50 years since FASD was first identified in medical literature in the English-speaking world. Presentations over the two-day conference will cover themes […]

This presentation will provide an introduction to Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) including review of the evidence base and considerations for use within AOD treatment. Anthony Bligh is Director of Psychology, Metro North Mental Health. Anthony has been using EMDR in private practice since initial training in 2014 and uses it to treat complex trauma.

Deepen your understanding of trauma and gain real skills in managing trauma-related symptoms in alcohol and other drug practice settings Building on our trauma-informed training, this workshop will give you a step up in responding to trauma. You will learn how to recognise the biopsychosocial impacts of trauma and integrate recovery-oriented interventions into your alcohol […]

This presentation describes how people who use image and performance enhancing drugs reduce the harms of their drug use. It illustrates how the shift towards scientifically informed drug practice has impacted on the harm reduction practices of enhanced bodybuilders. Furthermore it highlights the opportunities that this shift presents for collaboration between enhanced bodybuilders and the professionals who […]

Build your leadership skills and contribute to the next generation of practitioners The key to great practice is great supervision. If you are a practice or clinical supervisor in the alcohol and other drug sector or want to become one, and you are ready for your next professional challenge, this workshop is for you. Gain […]

Many sex workers report barriers to accessing services for AOD and/or mental health. Learn how to better interact with this unique demographic. Respect Inc provides sexual health information, advocacy and support to sex workers across QLD.  Hazy Inseptember is Career Development Officer at Respect inc. and also works as a counsellor in a clinical setting for an […]

This three-day workshop aims to improve the cultural competencies of participants undertaking a mental health assessment of Aboriginal patients and also provide information on suicide prevention and postvention strategies in Aboriginal communities. Participants taking part in this workshop will: complete the Aboriginal Mental Health Cultural Competency Profile achieve accreditation in the Westerman Aboriginal Symptom Checklist - youth […]

Do you know what to say and do if you are subpoenaed to appear in court? Are your case notes court-ready Nearly 50% of alcohol and other drug workers have had their case notes subpoenaed. Are yours court-ready? Write great case notes and feel confident giving evidence in court with this fun and practical case […]

Gain a deep understanding of how to respond to co-occurring mental health problems in alcohol and other drug treatment Comorbidity is the norm rather than the exception. In this two day interactive online workshop you will deepen your understanding of co-occurring mental health and alcohol and other drug issues and build knowledge, confidence and skill […]

The 2022 theme for NAIDOC Week is Get up! Stand up! Show up! The theme calls for systemic change; to support and secure institutional, structural, collaborative, and cooperative reforms and to keep rallying around for mob, for Elders and for communities. It also celebrates those who have driven and led change in communities over generations. The NAIDOC Local […]

Adapt your existing skills to work effectively with people who use methamphetamine. Understand how methamphetamine affects the brain and how to adapt existing treatments and strategies for people who use methamphetamine. You’ll learn the changes to approach that are needed and how to address common co-occurring conditions among people who use methamphetamine. Learning outcomes: Understand […]

QuIHN's lived experience facilitators provide a comprehensive deep dive in to stigma & discrimination toward people who inject drugs. Using real life insights and interactive discussions, this workshop aims to improve health outcomes for people who use drugs within health & community settings. Developed by Australian Injecting & Illicit Drug Users League (AIVL), Funded by […]

Help your clients to manage strong emotions We all have strong emotions from time to time. Being able to recognise and self-regulate emotions and tolerate distress is a skill that can be learned. Emotion regulation is also a protective factor against mental health problems like depression and anxiety. In this workshop, you will gain strategies […]

QuIHN’s lived experience facilitators provide a comprehensive deep dive in to stigma & discrimination toward people who inject drugs. Using real life insights and interactive discussions, this workshop aims to improve health outcomes for people who use drugs within health & community settings. Developed by Australian Injecting & Illicit Drug Users League (AIVL), Funded by […]

Develop advanced skills in motivational interviewing to supercharge your alcohol and other drug practice Join one of Australia’s most experienced alcohol and other drug trainers in this two-day motivational interviewing masterclass for practitioners who want to advance their motivational interviewing skills. You will take your motivational interviewing skills to the next level by using self-reflection […]

QuIHN’s lived experience facilitators provide a comprehensive deep dive in to stigma & discrimination toward people who inject drugs. Using real life insights and interactive discussions, this workshop aims to improve health outcomes for people who use drugs within health & community settings. Developed by Australian Injecting & Illicit Drug Users League (AIVL), Funded by […]

Understand the causes and impacts of trauma and how to effectively respond Building on our ‘Responding to trauma workshop’, you will deepen your knowledge of trauma and practice advanced strategies to effectively support people with trauma symptoms in alcohol and other drug treatment. Go deeper into understanding and responding to trauma to enhance your knowledge, […]

Effectively blend motivational interviewing and CBT to achieve better client outcomes Boost your effectiveness with clients by seamlessly integrating these two key approaches in alcohol and other drug treatment. Through this interactive one-day workshop, you learn where these two core approaches overlap and where they are unique and how to move seamlessly between them. Book […]

Develop an in-depth understanding of sleep to aid your AOD practice People with alcohol and other drug issues are up to 10 times more likely to experience sleep problems. We now know that poor sleep contributes to a range of other physical and mental health problems, as well as low resilience and low motivation. But […]

Increase the effectiveness of treatment by identifying and resolving ruptures and breaks in the therapeutic relationship Therapeutic impasses are common but can be frustrating and difficult to resolve. They can also impact the effectiveness of treatment. Roadblocks can be practitioner or client-initiated, but nearly always require practitioner input to repair. In this workshop, you will […]

This training will provide you with the knowledge and practical skills required to confidently and competently facilitate SMART Recovery Australia’s award-winning SMART Family & Friends program. You will learn how to run the SMART Family & Friends program in two key formats: Video conference and support meetings, so you can get started immediately In person […]

Level up your practice with our acclaimed 4-day self-practice/self-reflection masterclass in cognitive behaviour therapy This 4-day intensive is for you if you are an alcohol and other drug worker in a counselling or case management role. Discover exactly what makes CBT tick to build and strengthen your core clinical skills, the foundation for all best […]

Don’t just survive alcohol and other drug work. Really thrive Alcohol and other drug work can be challenging and comes with a high rate of burnout. It can be mentally demanding work, but there are some simple self-care strategies to prevent burnout. In this workshop, you will find out what it takes to not just […]

Increase your confidence and provide advanced intervention for families with alcohol and other drug issues Working with families can be complex and challenging often due to multiple people and perspectives that are sometimes misaligned. This masterclass goes deeper into the Orford stress-strain-information-coping-support model drawing on elements of the Orford and Velleman 5-step model. Learn key […]

This webinar will run as a panel discussion and we will hear the perspectives of Family and Friends, Facilitators and Participants whom are currently or have journeyed through the Family and Friends program. Please join us for a one of event that will hope to inspire, encourage and explore the positive impacts this program.

Giving birth to change: The personal journey of a FASD mother Angelene Bruce is a lived experience expert for FARE and NOFASD Australia. She is also a member of the Victorian FASD Special Interest Group and a fierce advocate for FASD awareness and prevention. Ange has lived experience of alcohol and poker machine addiction. She […]

UN Women Australia’s International Women’s Day theme for 2023 is ‘Cracking the Code: Innovation for a gender equal future’. Based on the priority theme for the United Nations 67th Commission on the Status of Women – Cracking the Code highlights the role that bold, transformative ideas, inclusive technologies, and accessible education can play in combatting discrimination and the marginalisation of […]

Join us for this one of webinar where we get the opportunity to chat to Anna Lembke, MD. Anna is Professor of Psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine and chief of the Stanford Addiction Medicine Dual Diagnosis Clinic. A clinician scholar, she is the author of more than a hundred peer-reviewed publications, has testified […]

SMART Recovery face to face training helps people who want to help others with problematic and addictive behaviours, by training them to deliver SMART’s 4-point program and supporting them to set up and run their own SMART Recovery group. SMART Training allows you to reach more clients with a program that works for any problematic […]

Scholarship Applications for 2024 are now open for training and membership. Follow the link below to register your interest.

The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use at the University of Sydney has been funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care to develop a series of on-demand webinars on evidence-based practice. Our webinars are freely available and focus on building capacity in relation to evidence-based practice approaches to the […]

The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use at the University of Sydney has been funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care to develop a series of on-demand webinars on evidence-based practice. Our webinars are freely available and focus on building capacity in relation to evidence-based practice approaches to […]

Family Drug Support will again be recognising lives lost to drugs and alcohol by marking the Annual Remembrance Day – an international event with ceremonies held all around the world. Click on the image below for details      

Australian Winter School is an opportunity to catch up with colleagues from across the alcohol and other drugs and related sectors. At Winter School you'll be part of the conversation about innovations in evidence informed treatment, policy, and system reform. ​Winter School's expert speakers, presentations, and workshops provide delegates with the knowledge, tools, and solutions […]

Support The Family Improve The Outcome Workshop Support the Family Improve the Outcome (STFITO) Workshops are primarily for specialist AOD services providing education on anti-oppressive practice to enhance service engagement with families and carers impacted by substance use. Barriers to help-seeking are well documented and include a lack of local availability or knowledge of services, […]

FDS are seeking volunteers for their National Support Line, that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Some benefits of volunteering for FDS: · Learn and apply practical skills · Practical experience for your resume · Opportunity to give back to your community · Ongoing support and education in your work with FDS […]

4 DAY COURSE for family members and friends supporting loved ones with AOD use. Course provides support and information to improve their own wellbeing and improve outcomes and needs of everyone. 16th-17th of November 2024 (Saturday & Sunday) 9.30 am - 4.00 pm each day FDS Members $40 for workbook Non-members $70 (includes annual membership) […]