Adolescence has historically been viewed as a healthy time and attracted little research investment or policy attention compared to other age groups. In recent years the health problems of adolescence including mental disorder, injury and substance misuse have leapt into prominent. This application deals with the causes, consequences, policy responses and prevention of the common health problems that occur in young people.
I am a neuroscientist, studying fundamental mechanisms related to addiction. A major feature of my research is the neuropharmacological characterisation of potential novel therapeutic strategies to combat drug-seeking behaviour.
‘Equally Well’: Addressing Comorbid Physical, Mental, And Substance Use Disorders With Psychological Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$715,210.00
Summary
Mental ill-health, substance use and chronic physical illness go hand in hand, yet treatment for all three health issues is rarely delivered. Amanda Baker is leading a team trialling psychological interventions for these co-existing health issues suitable for delivery in mental health, substance use and medical settings. Telephone and online interventions are also being developed. Addressing these three co-existing health concerns is expected to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life.
Reducing The Burden Of Alcohol And Other Drug Use In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$250,805.00
Summary
Innovative research undertaken during the Fellowship program will provide new evidence of how best to respond to alcohol and other drug use. Partnerships with policymakers will ensure this evidence underpins Australian alcohol and other drug policy.
This is an application for reappointment as a Principal Research Fellow. My primary area of research is preclinical studies of addiction, with a particular emphasis on relapse. I am increasingly engaged in translational studies.
Improving Treatment Responses For Co-occurring Mental And Substance Use Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,370.00
Summary
Mental and substance use disorders are two of Australia's most prevalent and burdensome health conditions, and they frequently co-occur. My program of research aims to improve our limited understanding of, and ability to successfully treat, mental and substance use disorders; with a view to improving the lives of the 3 million Australians who suffer from these disorders each year.
Scalable Interventions For Co-existing Mental Health And Substance Use Problems: Innovation, Technology And Translation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$811,293.00
Summary
Mental health and substance use problems go hand in hand, yet treatment is delivered separately because staff are not trained to treat both. However, many people with mental health and substance use problems experience difficulties attending different services and counsellors. Amanda Baker is leading a team trialling new, combined counselling interventions so that the same counsellor delivers all treatment. A new healthy lifestyles approach is expected to improve outcomes.
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.
Alcohol,tobacco, Illicit And Prescribed Drugs: Prospective Cohorts And RCTs
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$714,745.00
Summary
This research addresses the important areas of infant, childhood, adolescent, adult, and family well-being and the effects of exposure to tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drug use. The impacts of these substances on psychological, cognitive, vocational, and physical well-being remain poorly researched. A related set of research projects is aimed to build the evidence base for effective intervention to prevent or manage psychological and cognitive sequelae from such exposure.
Reducing The Key Alcohol And Other Drug Related Harms In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$782,370.00
Summary
I am a leading alcohol and other drug researcher with an established national and international reputation for high quality research and translation. Over the next five years I will tackle the three key issues in the alcohol and other drug field: injecting drug use, methamphetamine use and harms and high risk drinking by young people, by developing, implementing and testing new interventions.