The Policy Response To Indigenous Petrol Sniffing - And How To Improve It
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$105,770.00
Summary
Petrol sniffing is a form of volatile substance misuse that occurs in some Aboriginal communities in Australia, as well as some Indigenous communities in the US, Canada and NZ. Although the practice is restricted to small numbers of young people, chronic sniffing leads to serious (and sometimes irreversible) harm to the health of sniffers. It also exacerbates inter-generational problems in families and, through its association with unsafe sex and property offences, creates problems for communiti ....Petrol sniffing is a form of volatile substance misuse that occurs in some Aboriginal communities in Australia, as well as some Indigenous communities in the US, Canada and NZ. Although the practice is restricted to small numbers of young people, chronic sniffing leads to serious (and sometimes irreversible) harm to the health of sniffers. It also exacerbates inter-generational problems in families and, through its association with unsafe sex and property offences, creates problems for communities disproportionate to its prevalence. Throughout 1980s and 1990s, commonwealth and state-territory governments made a number of attempts to formulate and implement a coordinated policy response to the prevention and treatment of petrol sniffing. Although some of these initiatives generated short term funding for innovative programs, they have not given rise to sustained evidence-based policies, or even to an accumulation of knowledge upon which funding decisions might be based. Programs continue to be funded on an ad hoc basis; few are evaluated, and there is little evidence that findings from evaluations inform ongoing policy decision-making. The primary purpose of this project is to determine why this should be so, and to identify practicable changes that could reasonably be expected to lead both to the accumulation of knowledge about effective interventions, and to the formulation of sustainable, evidence-based policies and programs. The project utilises a policy analysis methodology to examine a number of case studies of attempts by various governments to respond to Indigenous petrol sniffing. Data will be collected from examination of documentary sources and interviews with key informants. The focus of the project is on the policy-making process, rather than on petrol sniffing itself. The findings will be used to make recommendations designed to improve the capacity of governments to respond more effectively, and thereby to reduce the harm caused by petrol sniffing.Read moreRead less
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?
A Randomised Control Trial Of A Group-Based Intervention For Substance Abuse In Psychosis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$345,250.00
Summary
The use of alcohol and illicit substances is common amongst people with psychotic illnesses, and is associated with a poor outcome in terms of severity of symptoms, treatment adherence, work-studies, family cohesion, aggression and quality of life. All this adds significantly to the cost of mental health services and society more broadly. The proposed study aims to refine, pilot, and rigorously evaluate a group-based intervention that targets substance use in such individuals at different stages ....The use of alcohol and illicit substances is common amongst people with psychotic illnesses, and is associated with a poor outcome in terms of severity of symptoms, treatment adherence, work-studies, family cohesion, aggression and quality of life. All this adds significantly to the cost of mental health services and society more broadly. The proposed study aims to refine, pilot, and rigorously evaluate a group-based intervention that targets substance use in such individuals at different stages of their illness, and within a number of different treatment settings. The intervention will be informed by an enhanced understanding of the motivations for substance use in people with psychotic illnesses The specific aims are to: Refine, implement and evaluate, using a controlled experimental design, a novel group-based intervention for reducing substance abuse comorbidity in people with psychotic disorders; Determine reasons for substance use by these individuals, to inform the intervention procedures; Pilot the intervention in a series of different treatment settings, including early episode and rehabilitation programs, and non-government organisations dealing with people with psychotic disorders, to ensure generalisability, adaptability, and acceptability; Augment case managers' knowledge and skills in dealing with comorbid drug and alcohol use Enhance detection, motivation to change, ongoing monitoring and relapse prevention of substance misuse in clients with psychotic disorders. It will also be possible, once the treatment intervention is finalised and evaluated, to expand its use to patients with non-psychotic mental illnesses.Read moreRead less
Substance Misuse And Mental Disorders In A Remote Arnhem Land And Urban New South Wales Aboriginal Population
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$320,972.00
Summary
Experience of trauma and violence affect one in four Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and can put them at risk of later mental illness or substance misuse. This Fellowship investigates the prevalence of post traumatic stress disorder and its association with substance misuse among Indigenous Australians in a remote and urban setting. Better understanding these associations will help in designing interventions to reduce individual and community suffering.
Early Interventions For Primary And Comorbid Substance Use In Young People: Engagement, Innovation, Technology And Translation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$706,370.00
Summary
Many young people with substance use problems do not seek, receive or respond to treatment. Innovative approaches to treatment are required. Leanne Hides leads a dynamic team of clinical researchers developing cutting-edge treatments to enhance young people’s wellbeing and resilience, and reduce risk factors for substance use. This positive approach will encourage help seeking, reduce substance use and improve the mental health and wellbeing of young substance users.
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