News

A new study by researchers from Monash University & Turning Point has shown that women and people with mental health issues are more likely to require attendance by an ambulance for oxycodone misuse.

In times of crisis we often turn to alcohol or other drugs to help us cope, so it's not surprising that one in four Australians will develop an alcohol, drug [or gambling] disorder during their lifetime and around one in 20 will develop an addiction. As a society however, we often assign blame to the individual and don't consider the factors that contribute to someone developing an addiction.

During COVID-19, people receiving treatment for opioid use disorder in Australia faced significant challenges. Over 500,000 Australians access buprenorphine or methadone medication treatment programmes nationally, which usually involves seeing a doctor once a month, and attending a pharmacy several times a week to collect medication, alongside counselling and peer supports. The pandemic lockdown restrictions posed real challenges to access.

In this episode, we watch the participants in the final weeks of their bespoke treatment program. We see that the road to recovery isn’t a straight line, and observe that addiction, like other health conditions, can be characterised by periods of improvement and vulnerability. What is great to see is that each participant has made positive steps forward, to improve their health and wellbeing.

Tonight is the final episode of Addicted Australia, drawing to a close some of the most compelling television of 2020. But the campaign to Rethink Addiction is not over and we still need your help.

This recap of Addicted Australia explores the treatment and support provided to documentary participants, and the themes covered in Episode 3. In this episode we learn more about the participants and their families, gaining further insight into what it's like to receive addiction treatment and support.

Trauma and addiction frequently co-occur. About 1 in 2 people in addiction treatment settings have symptoms of PTSD, yet integrated treatment is not routinely available.

Our recap of Addicted Australia Episode 2 explores the topics and treatment seen in the documentary and various support options available to people being affected by alcohol, drugs or gambling.

For people living with addiction, or for those that are in recovery, times of celebration can be incredibly difficult. Craig Payne one of our Peer Support workers explains why and how to prepare.

People who regularly use alcohol or other drugs may develop drug dependence, resulting in significant withdrawal symptoms when drug use is reduced or stopped. Admission to a detoxification (‘detox’) unit for a supervised withdrawal is often recommended, to safely and more comfortably manage these withdrawal symptoms in a supported environment.

If you’re like most people, the word “addiction” might conjure up an image of a shady person clutching a paper bag filled with cheap red wine. But according to the National Survey of Mental Health, one in five Australians have a problem with drugs, alcohol or gambling at some point in their lives.

Orygen and Turning Point are developing policy advice for the Commonwealth Department of Health to enhance integrated service experiences for young people. We appreciate your time in competing this survey to inform our understanding and guide policy development in this area.