Turning Point

21/01/2026

Are you ready for the next stage in your career? Enrolments are now open for the Graduate Program of Addictive Behaviours with Monash University!

“Completing the Graduate Diploma of Addictive Behaviours was life-changing,” says nurse practitioner candidate Timothy Cann.

“The course gave me insight into myself and my experiences, which provided me with comfort and closure, improving my personal and professional life,” Tim explains.

It was also the catalyst for rapid career advancement.

Keep reading: https://www.turningpoint.org.au/about-us/news/personal-insight-and-professional-impact-studying-addictive-behaviours

Learn more about the Graduate Program of Addictive Behaviours and enrol: https://www.turningpoint.org.au/education/programs/higher-education/postgraduate-addictive-behaviours-courses

21/01/2026

📣 The January Research Roundup is out now!

In this edition:
👉 Researchers have identified high rates of complex that may create barriers to treatment among people who use supervised injecting facilities.
👉 A study commissioned by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) is offering valuable insights to improve responses and supports for drivers who are detected under the influence of drugs.
👉 A telephone-delivered support service for individuals detected drink or drug driving is providing a targeted, health-led approach to drink and drug driving prevention.
👉 Nurse practitioner candidate Timothy Cann shares his "life-changing" experiences of studying the Graduate Diploma of Addictive Behaviours.
👉 Plus, our latest publications, opportunities to participate in research, and more!

Keep reading: https://mailchi.mp/973ae550d069/turning-point-research-updates-17330560

20/01/2026

Ever walk away from a conversation wishing you’d said things differently?

Our free BreakThrough webinar on communicating with confidence is for families and friends supporting someone with addiction. In this one hour online session, you’ll learn practical ways to speak more clearly, be more assertive and encourage change while staying connected. It’s supportive, down to earth and focused on real life conversations. Join others who understand what you’re going through.

Sign up for the webinar today at: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/breakthrough-communicating-with-confidence-tickets-1976680570798

18/01/2026

Join the Hamilton Centre's free webinar for a closer look at integrated mental health and AOD care for young people, bringing together clinical and research perspectives from across the sector. It’s a great chance to explore how co-occurring concerns show up in different settings, and what joined-up, youth-centred care can look like in practice.

Join us for an insightful look at integrated mental health and AOD care for young people, featuring expert clinical and research perspectives!

💻 Webinar: Integrated care for young people
📅 Date: Wednesday, 25 February 2026
⏲️ Time: 12pm – 1pm (AEDT)
🔷 Cost: Free
👉 Learn more and register: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/webinar-integrated-care-for-young-people-tickets-1979939802247?aff=oddtdtcreator

This webinar will explore clinical and research perspectives on the characteristics of youth presenting with co-occurring conditions across different settings.

It will also highlight approaches to integrated care and examine developmental factors that influence how these issues emerge, affect and progress in young people.

Offered by the Hamilton Centre in collaboration with Mental Health Victoria, Orygen and Parkville Youth Mental Health & Wellbeing Service (PYMHWS).

Secure your spot!

14/01/2026

Curious about why addiction happens and how it affects your loved one?

This free BreakThrough webinar is for families and friends who want to understand what’s really going on. In one hour online, you’ll learn about how substances impact the brain, the role of dopamine, and simple ways to stay connected while taking care of yourself. It’s supportive, practical, and focused on real life.

Sign up and join us today: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/breakthrough-understanding-addiction-tickets-1976679604909

12/01/2026

Have you experienced co-occurring mental health and substance use concerns, and accessed a mental health service in Victoria? Your substance use concerns may relate to alcohol, another drug or both.

You are invited to help us better understand the mental health care experiences and needs of people with co-occurring mental health and substance use concerns.

By sharing your experiences, you can help us develop a training resource designed to cultivate safe, welcoming and non-judgmental services for people with co-occurring needs.

👉 What is involved:
Participation involves an anonymous and confidential interview that can be undertaken in-person or remotely by phone or Zoom.

Interviews last 45–60 minutes, and all participants will receive a $50 gift voucher as reimbursement.

👉 Who is eligible:
People aged 18+ who have experienced co-occurring mental health and substance use concerns and have accessed mental health services in Victoria within the past five years are eligible.

👉 Find out more:
https://monash.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_24ydrau7qKFBGWW?Q_CHL=qr

09/01/2026

With bushfires affecting so many communities in Victoria, it’s normal to feel anxious, scared, or overwhelmed right now.

Take a moment to check in with yourself and reach out to those around you for support. The fires can be a trigger for many, and help is available depending on what you need.

If you want to talk about your mental health, Lifeline is available 24/7 on 13 11 14. For alcohol or other drug support, Counselling Online is available 24/7 at www.counsellingonline.org.au.

Stay safe, look out for each other, and keep informed through official channels:
www.emergency.vic.gov.au
VicEmergency Hotline: 1800 226 226
VicEmergency app
ABC Local Radio

16/12/2025

Are you looking to get off m**h?

Researchers at St. Vincent’s Hospital and Turning Point are inviting people over 18 to try a new medication called lisdexamfetamine to assist with m**hamphetamine withdrawal.

Participation involves a seven-day inpatient stay (staying overnight), and then five follow-up phone calls/surveys spread out between one week and three months after you leave the hospital.

You will be compensated for your time.

Study locations: Melbourne (Box Hill Hospital), Sydney, Newcastle and Perth.

Express your interest in participating:
https://ow.ly/anVQ50XHfxV

Learn more:
https://ow.ly/XBlZ50XHfxW

This research has been approved by St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee, Reference number: 2024/ETH00788, v1 dated April 2024.

12/12/2025

Ready to take the next step in your career? Find out more about the Graduate Program of Addictive Behaviours at Monash University!

Enrolments are now open for online study throughout Australia.

By enrolling in one of our courses, you will develop the specialist knowledge and professional skills to support individuals and communities impacted by addiction.
👉 Graduate Certificate of Addictive Behaviours (M4018): 1 year part-time
👉 Graduate Diploma of Addictive Behaviours (M5022): 2 years part-time
👉 Master of Addictive Behaviours (M6014): 2–3 years part-time (depending on entry level, based on prior qualifications that may reduce study duration)

Each of these online postgraduate courses (with part-time study) builds upon units offered in the previous qualification and provides pathways for further study and postgraduate research opportunities in the field of addiction.

Why join?
✔️ Choose from a variety of public health electives and shape the course according to your interests or expertise.
✔️ Learn from leading experts and real-world practitioners.
✔️ Gain a postgraduate qualification from a Group of Eight University, ranked in the top 40 globally.
✔️ Advance your career with increased opportunities for leadership roles.
✔️ Make a measurable impact on people’s lives.

👉 Interested?
Watch our webinar to hear directly from course leaders and students about how this program is transforming careers and communities: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGWkad3H4VI

‍🎓 Ready to enrol?
Find out more about all three streams, with links to enrol, here:
https://www.turningpoint.org.au/education/programs/higher-education/postgraduate-addictive-behaviours-courses

10/12/2025

Do you have living or lived experience of a substance use disorder (SUD)?

Take our survey and help guide the future of psychedelic therapies.

Australia is the first country to approve **A and as treatments for certain mental health conditions. As research into Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PAT) grows, it's vital to understand the views of those who may benefit most.

We’re inviting people with lived or living experience of substance use disorders to take part in a short survey. Your insights will help shape future services and ensure PAT is safe, accessible and appropriate for diverse communities.

👉 Who can participate?
If you are over 18 years old and have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder (SUD), or believe that you have one, your experience is valuable to us.

👉 How can you help?
• Respond to the online survey. It takes around 25 minutes and is anonymous and confidential.
• Help improve the design and delivery of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy by sharing your views. Your input could shape future treatment options for people like you.

Your experience counts. Click the link to get started:
https://monash.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0NiyLMlAetrcCUK

10/12/2025

The festive season can be challenging for families affected by addiction.

Join the free BreakThrough session Surviving Christmas on Wednesday 17 December, 7–8pm AEDT to learn strategies for managing conflict and keeping connections strong. Connect with other families and gain practical tools to navigate the holidays.

Register now to secure your spot: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/breakthrough-surviving-christmas-tickets-1830987866999

09/12/2025

For 10 years, the AODstats data site has delivered up-to-date evidence that informs life-saving decisions on alcohol and other drug policies and planning.

Drawing data from paramedic records, the AODstats site maps demographic and geographic trends where people live, work and socialise to reveal the everyday realities behind ambulance attendances related to alcohol or other drugs.

“By providing timely information on the true scale and locations of AOD-related harms, the AODstats site has become an increasingly valuable evidence base for health services, local governments and advocates to shape policy, target resources and respond to issues where they are most needed,” explains Turning Point’s Strategic Lead, National Addiction and Mental Health Surveillance Unit, Dr Rowan Ogeil.

Click below to read more about the decade of impact from AODstats as we work together to reduce harm, direct services to the right places, and safeguard frontline workers and our community:
https://www.turningpoint.org.au/about-us/news/decade-insight-aodstats-celebrates-10-years-impact-community

Thanks to the Victorian Department of Health for funding and Ambulance Victoria for their collaboration and support.