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.
News media are highly influential in setting health agendas and shaping health policy. The program builds multidisciplinary research capacity between 3 universities, including participation by some of Australia’s leading health journalists, to examine the content and accuracy of news treatments of health issues, how key audiences understand and are influenced by news coverage, how journalists decide which issues to cover and how they approach this coverage. The program aims to improve media lite ....News media are highly influential in setting health agendas and shaping health policy. The program builds multidisciplinary research capacity between 3 universities, including participation by some of Australia’s leading health journalists, to examine the content and accuracy of news treatments of health issues, how key audiences understand and are influenced by news coverage, how journalists decide which issues to cover and how they approach this coverage. The program aims to improve media literacy and the potency of policy advocacy among health professionals and so improve the quality of health news reporting in Australia.Read moreRead less
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