Treatment

The range of medical, psychological, and social services designed to help individuals reduce or stop substance use and manage substance use disorders. Treatment may include assessment, counselling and behavioural therapies, medication-assisted treatment, withdrawal management, and support for co-occurring mental or physical health conditions. Effective treatment is typically person-centred and evidence-informed, and may be provided in outpatient, community, or residential settings. Treatment aims to improve health and functioning, reduce substance-related harms, and support individuals in moving toward recovery and long-term wellbeing. 

Combating Alcohol Misuse: Soldiers and the Fight against Addiction

Scientific article
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New research published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology argues that telephone-based interventions seem an effective way of helping members of the military overcome alcohol addiction. The study demonstrates that such a...

Substance Abuse and the Transition to Adulthood

Scientific article
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Transitioning from childhood to adulthood can be a particularly difficult time for a lot of young people. A new study published in Emerging Adulthood investigates the way that adolescent substance users view this change in relation to their...

Mental Health Issues and Drug Use Disorder in Young People

Book
This new report analyses treatment services provided to youth with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders across Australia. Awareness of the complex relationship between mental health problems and substance abuse can help...
Alcohol and Other Drug Use by Young People with a Mental Illness

Animal Assisted Interventions in the Treatment of Addictions & Mental Health

 - 
Ottawa
, 
Canada

Animal Assisted Interventions (AAIs) are increasingly being offered in the primary health care field in Canada, including in addictions and mental health, and range from therapy dogs in counseling sessions to non-riding therapeutic programmes with horses. However, there is little awareness and sharing amongst programmes and limited documented evidence about AAI effectiveness.

Issues of Substance Conference

 - 
Calgary
, 
Canada

​​Issues of Substance (IOS) is Canada’s only national conference that brings together addiction workers, healthcare professionals, researchers, policy makers and knowledge brokers from across the country.

Smoking and Depression: What's the Relationship?

Scientific article
 - 
Almost 20% of American adults smoke cigarettes. Those diagnosed as having a moderate mental health problem are approximately twice as likely to smoke, whereas for those diagnosed as severely ill the risks are roughly three times greater...

Expanding Drug Markets in Australia

News
Recently sixteen people were hospitalised on the Gold Coast, Australia, after taking a new synthetic drug known as Flakka. One of those taken ill is said to be in a critical condition. Flakka takes the form of a white/pink crystal-like...

Improving Services and Systems for Transition-Age Youth

 - 
Sudbury
, 
Canada

The transition to adulthood is a critical developmental stage. Youth experiencing mental health and substance use concerns at this time may also face challenges related to housing, justice involvement, education, and employment. And individuals from vulnerable populations experience these challenges more acutely.