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.
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.
An inability to resist a temptation or repeated failures of self-regulation can lead to 'impulsive' and 'compulsive' behaviours that relate to a host of personal and social problems (eg., excessive eating, gambling, and substance use). Despite this, very little research has studied the neural and psychological underpinnings of these behaviours. My research will take advantage of recent innovations and approaches to fill this void and have implications for diagnosis and treatment.
‘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.
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.
Increasing Knowledge About Substance Use, Mental Health And Harms, And Interventions To Prevent And Reduce Harm
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$849,540.00
Summary
This Fellowship comprises three programmes of work: 1. epidemiology of illicit drug use (including the natural history of use: incidence, prevalence, persistence, desistance and relapse), contribution to the burden of disease; 2. Pharmaceutical opioids, the impact of opioid dependence, and treatments to reduce harm; 3. Risk and resilience in young people. This work will inform prevention, early intervention and treatment initiatives.
I lead an internationally recognised research program that examines how governments can best respond to alcohol and illegal drugs – a significant health and social problem in Australia. My research generates new evidence to inform drug policy and I study how to translate research into meaningful information that governments can use. My aim is to improve how Australia responds; reducing the community harms and improving the health of those affected by alcohol and drugs.
Transformed Drug Policies: Integrating Empirical Evidence With Participatory Democracy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$782,370.00
Summary
In my 5 year research fellowship I will lead internationally relevant research on better policy options for illegal drugs, such as methamphetamine, heroin and cannabis. Drug policy can be driven by politics and the media, rather than research evidence. I will generate a cutting edge and fresh perspective with an agile approach to new research that takes into account the rapidly changing field of drug policy. This will provide policy makers with a new framework for evidence-based policy reforms.
Reducing The Burden Of Disease Due To Hazardous Alcohol Consumption
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$652,765.00
Summary
I am a behavioural scientist interested in the causes and prevention of hazardous alcohol consumption. I propose a program of research examining methods in behavioural science, risk factors for hazardous drinking, the development and evaluation of interventions to reduce hazardous drinking, and the evaluation of policies affecting the supply and promotion of alcohol. I lead a research team with strong collaborations with leading scientists in Australia and other countries.
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.