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Adolescence and young adulthood (12-25 years of age) are periods of marked risk for the development of substance use disorders (SUDs) with 75% of all cases developing before the age of 25.

For some, the SUD develops as a result of repeated use in an attempt to self-medicate underlying trauma and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which also has its peak age of onset during these formative years. Although substance use may help in managing these symptoms in the short term, repeated use complicates recovery and can lead to a more chronic course of illness with each disorder serving to maintain and exacerbate the other.Ìý

There is a need to intervene early in the trajectory of these disorders to prevent chronic psychological, neurological and physical health problems that may result and persist into adulthood. The need for scalable interventions for high-risk young people has been amplified by the cumulative stressors of recent years (i.e, catastrophic bushfires, floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic) that have disproportionally affected our young people and led to significant strain on in-person service delivery.Ìý

Building on the findings of our pioneering NHMRC funded trials demonstrating the efficacy of integrated psychotherapies for SUD+PTSD ( COPE for adults and COPE-A for adolescents and young people) we are conducting a randomised controlled trial to examine the efficacy of delivering COPE-A to adolescents and young people in-person and via telehealth. By intervening early and addressing underlying trauma we have the potential to reduce the enduring disability, personal and societal costs associated with SUD.Ìý

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Register registation number: ACTRN12624000776505

Anxiety and alcohol use disorders are among the most common mental health disorders world-wide. Anxiety is particularly common during emerging adulthood, when young people go through significant life changes.

During this time, it is common for young people to use alcohol as a way of coping with their anxiety, which can paradoxically make anxiety worse. For instance, drinking to feel less anxious in the moment can lead to an over-reliance on alcohol, and the consequences of drinking, like withdrawal and feelings of shame or guilt, can end up causing even more anxiety in the long term.

The Inroads program is an online, early intervention program for young adults with anxiety symptoms who drink alcohol at hazardous levels. The program involves 5 self-guided modules, developed in collaboration with youth, that provide evidence-based strategies (e.g., cognitive behavioural therapy) for managing anxiety and setting limits around drinking.

A randomised controlled trial of the program showed that youth who received the Inroads program, in combination with low-intensity psychologist support, experienced greater reductions in hazardous drinking, general anxiety and social anxiety compared to a control group.Ìý

We are currently recruiting participants for a larger NHMRC-funded trial of the program, and are working with international partners to develop a Canadian adaptation of the program.

Heroin dependence is a remarkably persistent, and in many cases, lifelong condition with a high mortality rate. Yet, there is much about heroin dependence – especially over the long-term – that we do not understand.Ìý

Funded by the NHMRC, ATOS began in 2001-2002 by recruiting 615 people, who we have followed up six times, up to 18-20-years. In doing so, this landmark study is the largest and longest cohort study conducted in Australia and provides critical information that will better inform treatment and guide public health responses.Ìý

Comorbidity Project: Building the capacity of the alcohol and other drug workforce to respond to co-occurring mental health conditions

Population estimatesÌýindicateÌýthat more than one-third of people with an alcohol or other drug (AOD)Ìýuse disorder have at least one co-occurring mental disorder, with rates even higher among those inÌýAOD treatment programs. It isÌýthereforeÌýcritical that AOD workersÌýare able toÌýmanage theÌýcomplex psychiatric symptoms with whichÌýtheirÌýclientsÌýfrequentlyÌýpresent.Ìý

Funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, the Comorbidity ProjectÌýhas developed aÌýrange of evidence-based resources thatÌýaim to improve the capacity of the AOD workforce to respond to co-occurring mental health conditions.ÌýBased on the best available research evidence, resources have been developedÌýinÌýconsultation with key stakeholders, including clinicians, researchers, people with lived experience,ÌýfamiliesÌýand carers.ÌýResources include clinical guidelines for the AOD workforce, online training, skills-based training, train-the-trainer workshops, a community of practice and national practice standards for the alcohol and other drug sector.

Guidelines for the mental health workforce

Alcohol and other drug (AOD)Ìýuse can play a significant role in the development and maintenance of mental healthÌýconditions andÌýdramaticallyÌýimpactÌýtreatment outcomes.ÌýDespite the high prevalence and impact of AOD use and use disorders, they often go unidentified and untreatedÌýin mental healthÌýsettings, with few evidence-based resources available to the mental health sector to help guide clinical decision-making.Ìý

Funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing,Ìýthese GuidelinesÌýwill beÌýbased on the best available evidence and developed in close consultation with practitioners, people with lived experience, familyÌýmembersÌýand loved ones.ÌýThis resource aims toÌýbuild the capacity of the mental health workforce toÌýidentifyÌýand respond to co-occurring AOD use of varying levels of severity,Ìýimprove treatment outcomes and support people’s long-term recovery.Ìý

Although early motherhood is often seen as a joyous, rewarding, and meaningful experience, it is also a unique life phase filled with biological, emotional, physical, and social changes. These shifts can bring uncertainty, stress, and anxiety, and around one in four women turn to alcohol to cope.

To support mothers during the first three years of motherhood, we developedÌýHealthy Mum, Healthy Bub, a free, easy to access online program. It includes six weekly modules (with audio content and practical worksheets) and two telehealth sessions with a registered psychologist.

We are currently recruiting participants to evaluate the program’s effectiveness compared to a waitlist control group, who will receive access after the four‑month follow-up.