Efficacy Of A 3-month Aerobic Exercise Regime For Restoring 'brain Health' In Heavy Cannabis Users
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,209,221.00
Summary
Over a ten-year period, we, and others have documented the brain and psychological harms associated with regular cannabis use. We have now shown that these harms are not permanent, but can be restored. However, the recovery process takes a long time. This study will build on our extensive work to date and, for the first time, investigate whether a specific form of exercise will cause accelerated and beneficial changes in i) the brain and ii) the daily lives of heavy cannabis users.
Cannabidiol May Protect The Brain Against The Harmful Effects Of Marijuana
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$974,586.00
Summary
While marijuana holds therapeutic potential, prolonged and heavy use is associated with adverse effects on the brain. However, the key constituents of marijuana (THC and CBD) have been found to have opposing effects on the brain (i.e., harmful vs protective). This project will be the first comprehensive examination of the key question - can CBD protect against marijuana-related brain and psychosocial harms?
The Efficacy Of Behavioural Activation Therapy In Treating Depression Among Individuals With Opioid Dependence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$733,908.00
Summary
Heroin dependence is a chronic relapsing condition, associated with high levels of psychopathology. On entry to treatment at least one quarter of heroin users meet criteria for Major Depression. The co-occurrence of heroin dependence and depression is associated with a range of harms and has been linked to poorer treatment outcomes. Despite this, practical and effective treatment options are scarce. The proposed international collaboration will contribute significantly to understanding of the tr ....Heroin dependence is a chronic relapsing condition, associated with high levels of psychopathology. On entry to treatment at least one quarter of heroin users meet criteria for Major Depression. The co-occurrence of heroin dependence and depression is associated with a range of harms and has been linked to poorer treatment outcomes. Despite this, practical and effective treatment options are scarce. The proposed international collaboration will contribute significantly to understanding of the treatment of this comorbidity.Read moreRead less
A Memory Retrieval - Extinction Procedure To Prevent Relapse To Drug Seeking
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$387,929.00
Summary
This project shows how relapse to drug seeking can be modulated, and possibly prevented, by novel approaches that manipulate the stability of drug related memories.
Investigating The Relationships Between Alcohol And Other Drug Use, Mental Health, Early-life Factors And Life-course Outcomes: Integrative Analyses Of Data From Four Australasian Cohort Studies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$448,198.00
Summary
The current study will use a highly innovative approach to pool data from four large and long-running Australasian cohort studies to better understand the developmental precursors and psychosocial consequences of teen drinking behaviours. Findings will provide dramatically improved knowledge of the developmental pathways to teen and young adult drinking and a clearer picture of the total burden of disease attributable to alcohol in an Australasian setting.
Cannabis Withdrawal Among Indigenous Inmates In North Queensland
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$285,920.00
Summary
In withdrawal, many Indigenous cannabis users ‘stress out’ leading to violence and self harm. Among Indigenous prisoners in a north Queensland corrective centre, 69% have been cannabis users and 57% of these suffered ‘stressing out’. We will investigate and address cannabis withdrawal symptoms by documenting their onset and severity and by devising culturally acceptable, low-cost resources and support to assist new inmates to manage ‘stressing out’.
The Pubertal Onset Of Mental Disorders And Early Substance Abuse
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,118,072.00
Summary
Mental disorders and early substance abuse are the most important health problems affecting adolescents and young adults in Australia, yet we have no preventive interventions for mental disorders with strong and sustained effects. Around one half of all mental disorders begin at puberty. This proposal outlines plans for the first study to comprehensively study the onset of mental disorder at this time. It will lay a foundation for the next generation of prevention studies.
A Mechanistic Approach To Therapy Development For Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Using Small And Large Animal Models Of Concussion
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$492,844.00
Summary
Repeated concussion in athletes has recently been associated with the development of a neurodegenerative disorder known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). While the neuropathology seems to be well characterised, the mechanisms associated with CTE development are not. This proposal will demonstrate that mechanically induced release of the neurotransmitter substance P accounts for much of the neuropathology in CTE, and will develop a novel therapy that will prevent such development.
The N-ICE Trial: A Randomised Controlled Trial Of The Safety And Efficacy Of N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) As A Pharmacotherapy For Methamphetamine (“ice”) Dependence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,551,368.00
Summary
Crystalline methamphetamine (aka ‘ice’) is a significant public health concern in Australia and globally. Currently there are no approved medications to treat methamphetamine dependence. We will trial tN-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) as a medications for methamphetamine dependence.
Defining The Clinical Role Of Topiramate In The Treatment Of Alcohol Dependence In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$718,836.00
Summary
We urgently require new strategies for the treatment of alcohol dependence. The effectiveness of currently approved alcohol medications is limited. Emerging data suggests that topiramate has robust effectiveness and that better medicine selection is possible for patients based on their genotype. We propose to conduct a double-blind randomised controlled trial to examine the clinical and cost effectiveness of topiramate using a genetically based personalised approach.