News

August 31 marks International Overdose Awareness Day; a global event aimed at raising awareness of overdose and reducing the stigma associated with drug-related deaths.

Researchers from Turning Point and Monash University are trialling a new smartphone app they have developed called ‘SWIPE’ which aims to help people reduce their alcohol cravings and consumption.

Often the road is long, but there is hope and recovery is possible. We spoke to Patrick about his lifelong struggle with addiction and how his treatment with Turning Point helped him get on track.

Many Victorian families are facing increasing financial and social pressures, and extended isolation in the home. In addition to this, we are hearing reports of increases in alcohol and other drug use, making it an important time to understand workforce capacity in responding to family/child and AOD issues.

The Victorian branch of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) has honoured former Turning Point clinician, Associate Professor Alan Gijsbers with a Meritorious Award for his contribution to improving the mental health of Victorians.

Researchers from Turning Point and Monash University have found that Australians with alcohol use problems report positive experiences of receiving structured psychological interventions by telephone.

This week is Homelessness Week and telling the stories of our homeless population is critical to understanding the impacts that addiction and COVID-19 are having on people’s lives.

Globally more than 800,000 people take their lives every year.

Turning Point is committed to reducing alcohol-related harms across the community, and supports the use of strong, clear messages that warn of the dangers of drinking during pregnancy. Turning Point seeks the most effective health warning label to be endorsed by government ministers at the Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation.

Congratulations to Dr Shalini Arunogiri, Deputy Clinical Director at Turning Point, who is the successful recipient of a Psychiatry Workforce Leadership Development Grant.

A study led by Turning Point and Monash University researchers, in collaboration with Ambulance Victoria, has shown that distress and pain are the key reasons people are taking opioids in higher doses than prescribed or without a prescription, referred to as extramedical prescription use. 

On average, it takes 66 days to form a new habit. As of July 1, Australians will have been living with COVID-19 restrictions for nearly exactly that amount of time; social distancing and ‘lockdown’ measures have been in place nationwide since late March. So, it is unsurprising that we are now accustomed to what we consider our ‘new normal’.