| ACT AOD Sector Project
The AOD Sector Project is a one-off twelve-month capacity
building Project that began on 23 July 2007 and ends on 30 June 2008.
The Youth Coalition of
the ACT was the successful tenderer to provide support to ACT AOD
Workers to conduct the AOD Sector Project. The Project aims to build the capacity and identity of the ACT AOD sector,
foster intra and cross-sectoral relationships, and improve outcomes
while maintaining respect for the diversity of services and
for people who are affected by AOD.
For more information visit http://www.aodsector.org.au or contact Amanda Bode,
ACT AOD Sector Project Officer, Youth Coalition of the ACT on info@aodsector.org.au or 6247 3540.
February ACT AOD Sector Forum
The ACT AOD Sector Forum is for AOD Workers and is hosted by a different
AOD service each month. The guest speaker for the February forum will
be Annie Madden, Executive Officer, Australian Injecting and Illicit
Drug Users League (AIVL) who will be presenting on the Treatment
Service Users Project. (TSU). For more information on the TSU go to
the Consumer Participation section.
Date: Thursday 28 February 2008
Time: 9.15am for arrivals. Forum: 9.30am - 11.30am
Venue: Directions ACT, 1 Bradley St, Woden
Click here for more information or to RSVP contact Amanda Bode, ACT AOD
Sector Project Officer, Youth Coalition of the ACT on info@aodsector.org.au or
(02) 6247
3540
Focus Group for AOD Workers to contribute to the 2008 Clinical Review
of ACT Drug Detoxification/ Withdrawal Services (Limited Places Available)
Following the Siggins Miller review of the ACT Alcohol and Other Drug Service
System on behalf of ACT Health, a review will be conducted of all drug
detoxification / withdrawal services currently available in the ACT.
In partnership with ACT Health, the AOD Sector Project have organised a
focus group to allow AOD workers to have input into the review
and ensure that their voices and views are heard.
Date: Friday 15 February 2008
Time: 4pm – 5pm
Venue: Youth Coalition Office, 46 Clianthus St. O’Connor
RSVP: Essential by Monday 11 February 2008 to Amanda Bode, AOD Sector
Project Officer on (02) 6247 3540 or amanda@youthcoalition.net
Note: There are only 12 places available, meaning that only 1 person
per service may attend. An agenda will be available closer to the date.
Click here for more information.
Cannabis: What You Need to Know
(Focus on Adolescence)
Presented by Annie Bleeker & Etty Matlon,
National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre (NCPIC)& National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC)
This
interactive workshop aims to provide workers with the latest information
in relation to cannabis; and specific interventions and strategies that
can be used when working with young people.This is presented in partnership
with NCPIC and is an initiative of the ACT AOD Sector Project.
When: Tuesday
19 February 2008
Time: 9am – 1pm
Cost: $20 for Youth Coalition members, $25 for non-members
Where: 46 Clianthus St, O’Connor (Youth Coalition Office)
Food: Morning tea will be provided
Note: Maximum two participants per agency. Priority will be given to
AOD services, Youth Coalition members, YSP funded services and YSAAP.
RSVP: Essential by Friday 15 February. Only 20 spots available. Please
send your RSVP to Azeena, Youth Coalition of the ACT on azeena@youthcoalition.net or (02) 6247 3540
Click here for more information
Cannabis: What You Need to Know
(Focus on Adults)
Presented by Annie Bleeker & Etty Matlon,
National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre (NCPIC)& National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC)
This
interactive workshop aims to provide workers with the latest information
in relation to cannabis; and specific interventions and strategies that
can be used when working with adults.This is presented in partnership with
NCPIC and is an initiative of the ACT AOD Sector Project
When: Wednesday 20 February 2008
Time: 1pm – 4pm
Cost: $20 for Youth Coalition members, $25 for non-members
Where: 46 Clianthus St, O’Connor (Youth Coalition Office)
Food: Afternoon tea will be provided
Note: Maximum two participants per agency. Priority will be given to
AOD services, Youth Coalition members, YSP funded services and YSAAP.
RSVP: Essential by Friday 15 February. Only 20 spots available. Please
send your RSVP to Azeena, Youth Coalition of the ACT on azeena@youthcoalition.net or (02) 6247 3540
Click here for more information.
ACT Drug Action Week Planning Group
Drug Action Week (DAW) is a national week
of activities to raise awareness about alcohol and other drug issues
and to promote the achievements of those
who work to reduce drug related harm. The AOD Sector Project will be coordinating
an ACT Drug Action Week Planning Group , in response to the stated need
of the sector. The Planning Group will be involved in the development
of activities for Drug Action Week and is open to anyone in the sector.
Date: Thursday 7 February 2008
Time: 3pm - 4pm
Location: Youth Coalition Office, 46 Clianthus St O'Connor.
RSVP: To Amanda Bode, AOD Sector Project Officer, Youth Coalition of the ACT on info@aodsector.org.au or (02) 6247 3540
See also theTraining and Professional Development section for the ACT Training and Professional Development Calendar.
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Update on Project activities.
Information from services that attended the AOD Sector monthly forum.
Launches, key weeks, international days and program and service activities.
Information from the EDs' group that is relevant to the AOD sector and workers.
Information on networks, resources, websites, factsheets and tools for workers.
Training for the AOD and allied sectors, including upcoming seminars, conferences,
bus tours, courses and other professional development opportunities.
New research, reports, inquiry findings, and any key policy activities effecting
the AOD sector.
Media Releases and news items relevant to the ACT AOD Sector.
Information items about consumer participation that are relevant to the AOD sector
and workers.
Information from and about allied sectors that is relevant to the AOD sector
and workers.
Employment opportunities in the ACT AOD and allied sectors.
Upcoming grants, funding opportunities and tenders.
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Note: See the News from the ACT AOD Sector Project section for information on more training and professional development initiatives
ACT Training and Professional Development Calendar (Jan - Feb 2008)
The bi-monthly Training and Professional Development Calendar is produced
as a partnership between the ACT AOD Sector Project and the Youth Coalition
of the ACT. The calendar compiles training and professional development
opportunities available for workers
from
the
AOD and allied
sectors.
Click here to download the current Training and Professional Development
Calendar or visit www.aodsector.org.au
Contact Amanda Bode, AOD Sector Project Officer, Youth Coalition of the
ACT on 6247 3540 or info@aodsector.org.au
‘Efficacy of Peer Education Programs to Reach Ecstasy and Related Drug (ERDs)
Users’: A presentation on the ACT research findings
Presented by Annie Bleeker National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC)
Annie Bleeker will report on an evaluation of a peer-led intervention conducted
in the ACT as part of the NDARC research study that looked into the efficacy
of peer based education with ecstasy users in two other cities in Australia
(Sydney and Adelaide) and an international site based in the Netherlands.
The ACT component of the Peer Education Research Project was funded by ACT
Health and managed by the Youth Coalition of the ACT in conjunction with the
Red Cross Save a Mate (SAM) Program.
When: Tuesday 19 February 2008
Time: 3.30 – 5pm
Cost: Free
Where: 46 Clianthus St, O’Connor (Youth Coalition Office)
Note: The presentation is relevant to policy makers, program managers and researchers.
RSVP: Essential by Friday 15 February. Only 20 spots available. Please send
your RSVP to Azeena, Youth Coalition of the ACT on azeena@youthcoalition.net or (02) 6247 3540
Click here for more information.
Aboriginal Culture, History & Heritage Training
ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS)
Facilitated by Kerry Reed-Gilbert.
The Aboriginal Culture, History and Heritage Training is a cultural awareness
program for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples. It provides participants with
information and skills that not only increases their own knowledge in relation
to the history of this country, but also provides skills that allow better communication
and protocol between both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples to take place.
Date: Friday 22 February 2008
Time: 9.30am to 4.30pm
Location: ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Centre, Lady Denman
Drive, Yarramundi Reach
Cost: $100 per person for Members, $150 per person for Non-Members, $200 per
person for Government
Morning tea, afternoon tea and lunch provided. Places are limited - please book
early!
Click here to download the registration form. For further details please
contact Les on 6202 7200 or les@actcoss.org.au
Handling Angry or Difficult Clients Training
ACT Training facilitated by Biff Ward
One day training developed for the Canberra Community Sector.
Date: Thursday 21 February or Wednesday 28 February 2008
Time: 9am - 4.30pm
Location: Marymead Conference Room, Goyder Street, Narrabundah
Cost: $89 including manual
Click here to download the registration form.
For more information contact Biff Ward on (02) 6257 1773
National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre PhD Scholarships: Round Two
The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) is offering several
PhD scholarships to carry out research on drug or alcohol related issues
relevent to the priorities of the Centre. Applicants should have a
strong honours degree in one of the behavioural sciences (psychology,
public health or a related discipline) and knowledge of EEO/AA principles
and policies. Experience in the drug and alcohol field is desirable,
although not essential.
Round 2
Applications open: Monday 3 March 2008
Applications close: Wednesday 30 April 2008
To download an application form visit http://ndarc.med.unsw.edu.au
For queries please contact: Ms Pearl Pulmano, Executive Assistant on
p.pulmano@med.unsw.edu.au
Round Two - Comorbidity Professional Development Scholarships: For Alcohol and
Other Drug and Mental Health Workers
The National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA) has
$1.9 million in funding to be awarded for Comorbidity Professional Development
Scholarships as part of the National Comorbidity initiative. The Comorbidity
Professional Development Scholarships are open to Alcohol and Other Drug
and Mental Health workers employed in non-government organisations. The
initiative aims to enhance workers professional skills and knowledge across
the comorbidities of AOD and Mental Health by providing funding to support
eligible workers to undertake relevant professional development and/or
training.
Round Two:
Opens Monday 5 February 2008,
Closes Monday 3 March 2008.
To download the flyer click here.
For more information or an application form visit http://www.nceta.flinders.edu.au/projects/comorbidity.html
Education and training database
National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA)
NCETA has developed an electronic database of AOD, Mental Health, and
Comorbidity education and training courses available across Australia.
This resource is designed to assist applicants of the Comorbidity
Professional Development Scholarships to locate training in relevant
areas. You can
view:
To access the database visit http://www.nceta.flinders.edu.au/projects/comorbidity.html#Who_can_apply
From Go to Whoa: Psychostimulant (Ice, MDMA, Speed) Training Program for Health
Professionals
ACT course facilitated by Jo Smith, Community Education Manager, Directions ACT
One day training course developed by Turning Point, to assist health
professionals to manage and treat users of psychostimulants. Modules
include pharmacology, epidemiology & responding to psychostimulant use.
Date: 7 February 2008
Time: 9am -5pm
Venue: Directions ACT, 1 Bradley Street, Woden
For registration information visit http://www.turningpoint.org.au or for
more information contact Kieran Connolly on (03) 8413 8704
or kieranc@turningpoint.org.au
2008 International Addiction Summit: Early Bird Registration Open
The 2008 International Addiction Summit will be held in Melbourne on
July 10 and 11 2008 ,and will bring together some of the worlds leading
experts
in
the
field
of addiction.
Early bird registration closes 1 March 2008.
For detailed information
and on line registration, please visit http://www.addictionsummit.org
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Note: Most of the reports and research items referenced below are available from
the Alcohol and Other Drug Council of Australias National Resource Centre
at http://www.adca.org.au/resource/index.htm
Criminal justice responses to drug and drug-related offending: are they
working?
This is the provocative title of a 131 page report prepared by Adelaide
criminologist Joy Wundersitz for the Australian Institute of Criminology.
It points out that all Australian States and Territories have introduced
or expanded their drug diversion programs over the last decade, and that
this has involved the expenditure of hundreds of millions of dollars.
The Australian diversion initiatives reviewed are police drug diversion,
intermediate court-based diversion initiatives and drug courts. As well
as describing these, the author reviews their evaluations.
Wundersitz, J 2007, Criminal justice responses to drug and drug-related
offending: are they working?, Technical and Background Paper, no. 25,
Australian Institute of Criminology, Canberra, http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/tbp/tbp025 . Available online only.
Annual Report of the Intergovernmental Committee on Drugs National Drug
Strategy to the Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy
The National Drug Strategy is a large and complex set of policies and
interventions, and probably most ATOD workers are not aware of the full
extent of its coverage. In recent years the annual report presented to
the Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy by the Intergovernmental Committee
on Drugs has been made publically available, with the 2005-06 report
just released. It is lengthy—112 pages—but, as the NDS web site explains,
it ‘…provides an overview of the activities undertaken over the period
1 July 2005 to 30 June 2006. The report gives a broad national view of
the key drug-related issues affecting Australia, in particular, reporting
against the various interventions undertaken by government agencies to
reduce the supply, demand and harms associated with drug use’.
Intergovernmental Committee on Drugs Executive and Secretariat 2007,
The Intergovernmental Committee on Drugs National Drug Strategic Framework
2005-06: Annual Report to the Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy, Australian
Government Department of Health and Ageing Canberra, http://www.nationaldrugstrategy.gov.au/internet/drugstrategy/publishing.nsf/Content/igcd-annrep2006 .
The link between smoking in movies and the uptake of smoking by children
A substantial body of research in the USA has demonstrated the strong
and direct links between exposure to actors smoking in movies and favourable
attitudes towards smoking and, indeed, rates of uptake of smoking by
young people. (Australian research has been limited but is supportive
of these findings.) One of the most powerful USA studies has been replicated
in Germany, with virtually identical findings: ‘The association between
smoking in the movies and young adult smoking behavior (sic) exhibited
a dose-response relationship; the more a young adult was exposed to smoking
in the movies, the more likely he or she would have smoked in the past
30 days or have become an established smoker.’ This German replication
of the US research helps to counter the argument that the US findings
do not apply in the Australian situation.
Song, AV, Ling, PM, Neilands, TB & Glantz, SA 2007, ‘Smoking in movies and increased smoking among young adults’,
American Journal of Preventive Medicine, vol. 33, no. 5, pp. 396-403.
The impact of methamphetamine (‘ice’) use on an Australian hospital emergency
department
The body of evidence about the adverse impacts of ‘ice’ in Australia
is growing. While not a typical hospital, owing to its catchment area
and population served, St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney was the site of
research into this phenomenon. Researchers there compared the ‘…demographic
and clinical characteristics of methamphetamine users and patients with
other toxicology-related problems requiring medical intervention…’. They
concluded that ‘There were significant differences between methamphetamine-related
and other toxicology-related presentations to the hospital Emergency
Department. Methamphetamine users were more aggressive, violent and dangerous,
and thus more likely
to pose a risk to health personnel and others. Methamphetamine appeared
to be used consistently, rather than as an episodic “party drug”.
Bunting, PJ, Fulde, GWO & Forster, SL 2007, 'Comparison of crystalline methamphetamine (“ice”) users and
other patients with toxicology-related problems presenting to a hospital
emergency department', Medical Journal of Australia, vol. 187, no. 10,
pp. 564-66.
The impacts of point-of-purchase promotion of cigarettes
Researchers from the Cancer Council Victoria and Stanford Prevention
Research Center, Stanford University, California, have just published
the world’s first clear demonstration of how point-of-purchase promotion
of cigarettes—having cigarettes on display in supermarkets, etc.—is linked
to impulse buying of these products. A Victorian survey revealed that:
‘When shopping for items other than cigarettes, 25.2% of smokers purchased
cigarettes at least sometimes on impulse as a result of seeing the cigarette
display. Thirty-eight per cent of smokers who had tried to quit in the
past 12 months and 33.9% of recent quitters experienced an urge to buy
cigarettes as a result of seeing the retail cigarette display. One in
five smokers trying to quit and one in eight recent quitters avoided
stores where they usually bought cigarettes in case they might be tempted
to purchase them. Many smokers (31.4%) thought the removal of cigarette
displays from stores would make it easier for them to quit…point of purchase
cigarette displays act as cues to smoke, even among those not explicitly
intending
to buy cigarettes, and those trying to avoid smoking. Effective point
of purchase marketing restrictions should encompass cigarette displays.’
Wakefield, M, Germain, D & Henriksen, L 2008, ‘The effect of retail cigarette pack displays on impulse
purchase’, Addiction, vol. 103, no. 2, pp. 322-8.
Sweat patches: how useful in drug treatment?
Always on the lookout for new technological supports for drug treatment,
ATOD workers have wondered about the usefulness of using sweat patches
to monitor treatment clients’ illicit drug use, as an alternative to
urine or hair testing. This was investigated by researchers from the
Yale University School of Medicine regarding people receiving outpatient
treatment for opioid dependence. Their findings are not encouraging:
‘The results based on toxicology tests obtained from 188 properly worn
and unadulterated patches (out of 536 applied) show that the level of
agreement between positive sweat test results and positive urine results
was 33% for opiates and 92% for cocaine. The findings of this study,
that there is a low acceptability of sweat patch testing by patients
(only 54.3% were brought back attached to the skin) and that weekly sweat
testing is less sensitive than weekly urine testing in detecting opiate
use, suggest limited utility of sweat patch testing in outpatient clinical
settings’.
Chawarski, MC, Fiellin, DA, O’Connor, PG, Bernard, M & Schottenfeld, RS 2007, ‘Utility of sweat patch testing for drug use monitoring
in outpatient treatment for opiate dependence’, Journal of Substance
Abuse Treatment, vol. 33, no. 4, pp. 411-5.
Excellent news from the Australian Treatment Outcome Study (ATOS)
Although we have moved some distance from the earlier perception that
‘nothing works’ in drug treatment, there is still a vocal lobby group
opposing evidence-based treatment modalities. The Australian Treatment
Outcome Study (ATOS) is providing valuable new information on treatment
effectiveness with the recent publication of three-year follow-up data.
It has demonstrated high levels of successful treatment outcomes in Australia.
The researchers (lead by Dr Maree Teesson from NDARC) have found that
‘Positive outcomes were associated with more time in maintenance therapies
and residential rehabilitation and fewer treatment episodes. Time spent
in detoxification was not associated with positive outcomes. Major depression
was also associated consistently with poorer outcome…At 3 years, there
were impressive reductions in drug use, criminality, psychopathology
and injection-related health problems following treatment exposure’.
Teesson, M, Mills, K, Ross, J, Darke, S, Williamson, A & Havard, A 2008, ‘The impact of treatment on 3 years’ outcome for heroin dependence:
findings from the Australian Treatment Outcome Study (ATOS)’, Addiction,
vol. 103, no. 1, pp. 80-8.
The use of research by Australian health promotion workers
We all subscribe to the objective of evidence-informed practice, but
just how much of our work reflects the research evidence as to efficacy
(what works in a controlled environment) and effectiveness (want works
in real life settings)? This was investigated by Australian researchers
from the School of Public Health at La Trobe University, Bendigo, and
the Centre for Rural Mental Health at Bendigo.
They examined ‘…the attitudes and practices of Australian health promotion
practitioners toward evidence-based practice (EBP)…’ by surveying the
members of the Australian Health Promotion Association. Only 27 per cent
(n = 277) responded. Nonetheless, ‘The data showed that the vast majority
of participant’s attitudes toward EBP was very welcoming. However, in
practice the impact of EBP was limited. Participants identified a range
of significant barriers to implementing EBP including organizational
culture, policy directives and lack of resources. A range of concerns
was also identified regarding the applicability of the medically based
EBP model within health promotion, which is based upon a social model
of health. The findings highlight the importance of acknowledging the
complexity of health promotion interventions and working toward developing
an appropriate evidence base.’
James, EL, Fraser, C, Anderson, K & Judd, F 2007, ‘Use of research by the Australian health promotion workforce’,
Health Education Research, vol. 22, no. 4, pp. 576-87.
‘Music puts substance use in positive light’
University of Pittsburg (USA) researchers, led by Brian A. Primack, have
investigated the links between drugs and popular culture, specifically
the frequency of references to psychoactive substances in popular songs.
They presented their findings to the November 2007 annual meeting of
the American Public Health Association. They found that …’one third of
popular songs analyzed contained references to substance use and that
most of those (68 percent) portrayed more positive than negative consequences
of alcohol and drug use’. Interestingly, drug use references varied significantly
by music genre: ‘Thirty-seven percent of country songs, 12 percent of
pop, 29 percent of R&B/hip-hop, 86 percent of rap and 14 percent of rock songs included references
to substance use. While only 3 percent of songs portrayed tobacco use,
24 percent depicted alcohol, 14 percent marijuana and 12 percent use
of other or unknown substances. Four songs contained explicit anti-use
messages, one referred to limit setting and none portrayed substance
use refusal.’
Anon. 2007, ‘Music puts substance use in positive light’, University
Times: the faculty and staff newspaper (University of Pittsburgh), 6
December, http://mac10.umc.pitt.edu/u/FMPro?-DB=ustory&-Format=d.html&-lay=a&storyid=7849&-Find
The Use of Methamphetamine Among Marginalised Young People in Melbourne,
Australia
This important study of marginalised young people in Melbourne
provides timely insights into the causes and effects of methamphetamine
use. This research
is based on in depth interviews conducted with 26 young people who shared
their personal stories of methamphetamine use, as well as interviews
with some members of their families and service providers in the field.
Abdoubaetova, A. 2007, 'The Use of
Methamphetamine Among Marginalised Young People in Melbourne, Australia',
Prepared for Open Family Australia
Click here to download the report.
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