Turning Point

24/03/2026

Ever wonder why family dynamics shift so much when someone is struggling with addiction?

Our free BreakThrough webinar on Family Relationships helps families and friends make sense of what’s happening and find more helpful ways to respond. You’ll learn about common family roles, how change unfolds over time and how to keep relationships strong. It’s a one hour online session focused on understanding, not blame.

Join others who get it and register now:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/breakthrough-family-relationships-tickets-1977844882285?aff=oddtdtcreator

23/03/2026

Our March Research Roundup is out now!

In this edition:
🔹Participants using a gamified, personalised ‘approach bias modification’ app to help treat alcohol dependence found it helpful in unexpected ways.
🔹A new study has found that starting a GLP-1 drug such as Ozempic was linked with a 14% overall reduced risk of developing new substance use disorders.
🔹The latest data on family violence, assaults and drug and alcohol harms in Victoria are now available to guide targeted, effective alcohol and other drug responses.
🔹PhD candidate Aricia Kostouros describes how generative AI can be used as a meaningful tool to support practical, grounded transformation in complex healthcare systems.
🔹Master of Addictive Behaviours graduate Fabrizio Lo Cascio discusses his research into vicarious trauma, opportunities for growth, and the organisational conditions that make a difference.
🔹Plus, our latest publications, opportunities to participate in research, and more!

Keep reading: https://mailchi.mp/a3263a0eecdd/turning-point-research-updates-17333277

17/03/2026

Talking can be the hardest part. If conversations with a loved one often end in tension or silence, this free BreakThrough webinar is for you. Communicating with confidence explores simple ways to express your needs, encourage change and keep the connection strong. It’s a one hour online session with people who truly get it and a focus on what actually helps at home. You don’t have to do this alone.

Register now!
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/breakthrough-communicating-with-confidence-tickets-1977844426923?aff=oddtdtcreator

16/03/2026

How do organisational conditions influence vicarious trauma and vicarious post-traumatic growth among AOD practitioners?

Fabrizio Lo Cascio explored this question in depth while completing research for a Master of Addictive Behaviours.

His findings offer hope for anyone working in or designing organisational systems in the sector, provided that key requirements are met.

Keep reading: https://www.turningpoint.org.au/about-us/news/postgraduate-research-informing-systemic-change

Fabrizio’s journey shows what’s possible when rigorous coursework, high‑quality supervision and research opportunities come together to support practitioners who want to drive systemic change.

If you’re considering advancing your practice, stepping into research or shaping the future of the sector, the Master of Addictive Behaviours offers a pathway designed for exactly that.

Find out more: https://www.turningpoint.org.au/about-us/news/postgraduate-research-informing-systemic-change

12/03/2026

World Sleep Day 2026 on 13 March promotes the theme "Sleep Well, Live Better."

The scientific evidence is clear: sleep is essential to health and wellbeing.

"Sleep is the most important neurobehavioural experience of our lives," says sleep expert and Strategic Lead, National Addiction and Mental Health Surveillance Unit, Dr Rowan Ogeil.

Sleep is important for feeling well-rested, for memory consolidation and learning new tasks, and for replenishing the proteins and hormones used throughout the day.

Many things can affect our sleep, including:
👉 if you are sick
👉 when sleeping in an environment that is too hot or cold
👉 the use of alcohol and drugs.

How can drugs affect sleep?
Drugs can affect our sleep in many ways, including how quickly we fall asleep, our perception of how much we slept or how restful and refreshing a sleep phase was.

Some drugs, such as benzodiazepines and alcohol, can increase sleepiness. Others, such as caffeine and ni****ne, promote vigilance or “wakefulness”. Many commonly used drugs for other health conditions also have sleepiness as a side effect.

The amount you take and the time you take the drug in relation to when you go to sleep can also influence how the drug affects the quality of your sleep.

“It's important to talk to your doctor or health care professional if you notice any changes in your sleep after starting a new medication,” says Dr Ogeil.

👉 More information:
The Sleep Hub for advice and resources: https://sleephub.com.au/
The Sleep Health Foundation: https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/
The Sleep Talk Podcast: https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/
Turning Point’s work in sleep research and education: https://www.turningpoint.org.au/research/identify/why-does-sleep-matter

10/03/2026

Addiction can feel confusing and overwhelming.

This free BreakThrough webinar helps families and friends understand the stages of addiction and how it changes the brain. You’ll also learn practical ways to stay connected with your loved one and look after your own wellbeing. One hour online, relaxed, supportive and full of real-life strategies.

Don’t face it alone. Register now: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/breakthrough-understanding-addiction-tickets-1977841552325?aff=oddtdtcreator

03/03/2026

Feeling alone while supporting a loved one with addiction? You’re not!

Join the BreakThrough Affected Others Forum in Bendigo and connect with people who get it. This relaxed, supportive session helps you learn practical strategies, set boundaries, and find the right support. Come as you are and leave feeling understood and connected. The forum is free and open to families and friends of people with addictive behaviours.

Sign up now to secure your spot for March 18th at Connect Church Bendigo from 12pm to 2pm!
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/affected-others-forum-tickets-1976540905054?aff=oddtdtcreator

26/02/2026

Thank you to everyone who has recently taken part in one of Turning Point’s research studies.

Your time, generosity and commitment are helping us build stronger evidence, improve treatment options and create better outcomes for communities. We couldn’t do it without you.

We currently have a massive eight studies looking for eligible participants.

Click below to find out more, and please share this with your friends, family and colleagues to help us reach everyone interested in participating in Turning Point research:
https://createsend.com/t/y-E16D04DBBAC4220A2540EF23F30FEDED

26/02/2026

Thank you to everyone who has donated to Turning Point 💜 Every contribution helps us deliver life-changing care, education, and research for individuals and families impacted by addiction.

Your generosity is helping us reach more people and provide the hope, connection and support that brings us closer to a future free from stigma and harm.

If you haven’t donated yet, there’s still time to be part of this change. Every gift, big or small, helps build a better future.

Follow the link to support our work today: https://www.turningpoint.org.au/donate

25/02/2026

Thinking of doing an alcohol detox?

If you have recently detoxed from alcohol or are considering a supervised withdrawal program, you may be eligible for our research study.

By taking part, you’ll be helping us better understand how people behave after they have withdrawn from alcohol.

Participation involves installing an app on your phone to track your behaviour, and completing a few questionnaires over 3 months.

The study is entirely confidential and voluntary. You will be reimbursed for your time.

For more information, contact the research team at: EARSTrial@easternhealth.org.au

Find out if you are eligible and register your interest: https://redcap.link/earstp_eoi

25/02/2026

📣 New AODstats data show GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) remains an issue across Victoria 📣

The latest data on family violence, assaults and drug and alcohol harms in Victoria are now available on the AODstats website to guide targeted, effective responses.

Bulletin 12 has also been released, and highlights areas that recorded the highest number of ambulance attendances and DirectLine telephone counselling and referral sessions for GHB.

Health professionals, policy planners and service providers are invited to access the site to identify the locations, circumstances and groups of people who are experiencing family violence, assaults and drug and alcohol harms, which can inform targeted planning and effective responses.

Read more:

The latest data on family violence, assaults and drug and alcohol harms in Victoria are now available to guide targeted, effective alcohol and other drug responses, with GHB identified as an ongoing concern.

24/02/2026

Recovery can feel like a bumpy road for everyone involved.

This free BreakThrough webinar is for families and friends wanting to understand how to support a loved one while looking after themselves. In one hour online, you’ll learn about coping with relapse, self-care strategies, and staying connected through the ups and downs. It’s practical, supportive and all about real life.

Join others who get it and sign up today: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/breakthrough-recovery-for-everyone-tickets-1977351761347?aff=oddtdtcreator