Connect & Learn: The experience of families affected by another’s substance use: An overview of treatments, presented by Clare Rushton, Registered Psychologist (Clinical registrar)PhD candidate on the 30th May 2023

15 Jun 2023

This presentation will provide an overview on the experience of families affected by another’s alcohol or other drug use, including a brief history of how families have been conceptualised within the addiction field, their involvement in their loved one’s treatment, and the impacts on the family themselves.

Overview

The presentation will highlight the findings from a recent systematic review looking into the effectiveness of treatments available to families, and discuss the variation between service approaches based on the different underlying theoretical models.

 
Through an exploration of the experience of families who are affected by another’s alcohol or other drug use, the webinar will provide an opportunity for participants to:

Objectives:

  • Develop an understanding of the impact supporting someone with substance use difficulties can have one one’s mental and physical wellbeing.
  • Increase awareness of the treatment and support services available to affected families.
  • Understand the different theories conceptualising the experience of families, and the way they have influenced the development of treatment and support services.

Watch the presentation

About the presenter

Clare Rushton is a Psychologist (Clinical registrar) currently working at Hunter Primary Care, providing psychological therapy to adults and adolescents with a range of mental health difficulties, including substance use, mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, anger, and interpersonal difficulties. 

Clare is completing her PhD at the University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia. Her research is investigating the experiences of families affected by a loved one's substance use, and how to effectively address families' needs through the intersection of research and clinical practice.