Turning Point

27/05/2026

The May edition of Research Roundup is out now.

In this edition:
🔹Who could benefit from psychedelic-assisted therapy, and when? Our researchers surveyed clinicians and service leaders to find out.
🔹A summary report has outlined the key findings, policy implications and recommendations of a joint review of alcohol ordering and delivery reforms.
🔹Addiction specialists have proposed a framework to ensure patients receive high-quality care when they see a GP for ADHD.
🔹Psychiatrist Dr Kathy Watson explains how supportive mentors empowered her to research stigma, inclusion and service improvement during her Master of Addictive Behaviours.
🔹Plus, our student open night, opportunities to participate in research, and more.

Keep reading: https://mailchi.mp/turningpoint/turning-point-research-updates-17335438

26/05/2026

Supporting someone with addiction can feel overwhelming, especially when safety and boundaries are a concern.

Our free BreakThrough Boundaries and Safety Plans webinar gives families and friends practical tools to feel steadier and more prepared. Learn how to set clear boundaries, deescalate tricky situations and protect your own wellbeing, while staying connected to your loved one.

It’s one hour, online and focused on real life situations. Save your spot and sign up today at: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/breakthrough-boundaries-and-safety-plans-tickets-1977847410848?aff=oddtdtcreator

21/05/2026

After 10 years as a psychiatrist and psychotherapist, Dr Kathy Watson was inspired to keep learning.

“I wanted to understand how psychiatrists and mental health services can be better equipped to respond to addiction problems within mental health treatment approaches,” she explains.

She enrolled in the Master of Addictive Behaviours with Monash University to consolidate her professional expertise.

But it was the prospect of working with experienced researchers and learning from inspiring teaching staff in the research stream that truly motivated her.

Keep reading to find out how supportive mentors and rigorous feedback empowered Dr Watson to explore stigma, inclusion and service improvement during her Master of Addictive Behaviours research:
https://www.turningpoint.org.au/about-us/news/power-mentorship-addiction-research

Curious about further study and the chance to conduct research with Turning Point? Register for our Student Open Night on Tuesday, 25 August:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/student-open-night-2026-turning-point-tickets-1985341034478 (edited)

Dr Kathy Watson explains how supportive mentors and rigorous feedback empowered her to explore stigma, inclusion and service improvement during her Master of Addictive Behaviours research.

20/05/2026

We're delighted to welcome Olivia Wang, who has joined the Clinical and Social Research team as a PhD candidate.

Under the supervision of A/Prof Shalini Arunogiri, Dr Sarah Catchlove, and Dr Ari Roxburgh, Ms Wang’s doctoral research topic is: “Heart Rate Variability and Co-occurring Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Substance Use Disorders”.

Since PTSD and substance dependence frequently co-occur and contribute to poorer treatment outcomes, her project could transform treatment and improve outcomes for people experiencing these conditions.

“HRV is an indication of autonomic nervous system functioning and emotional regulation, so it may help explain the physiological mechanisms linking trauma and substance use,” Ms Wang explains.

As part of her research, she will also explore whether HRV-based interventions could provide potential treatment for people experiencing co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorders.

Welcome, Olivia! We look forward to supporting you on your research journey.

Keep reading: https://www.turningpoint.org.au/about-us/news/welcome-phd-candidate-olivia-wang

19/05/2026

Caring for someone with addiction can be challenging.

This free BreakThrough webinar on family relationships supports families and friends to better understand their loved one’s journey and their own. Learn practical strategies for staying connected, responding with care and recognising what’s actually helpful. It’s an easy going one hour online session with shared experiences and real conversations. You don’t have to do this alone.

Sign up for the webinar today:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/breakthrough-family-relationships-tickets-1977847337629?aff=oddtdtcreator

19/05/2026

New research: Who could benefit from psychedelic-assisted therapy, and when?

Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) can transform the lives of people who might otherwise face lifelong mental health challenges.

Understanding how it works best, who it is likely to help and in what contexts, however, is not a simple task.

“It is a complex therapy to implement,” explains Dr Sarah Catchlove, who is the co-lead author with Dr Katrin Oliver PhD, of a paper about PAT published this month in the Society for the Study of Addiction’s ‘Addiction’ journal.

“The therapy isn’t just about the psychedelic in isolation,” Dr Catchlove says. “It’s about the interplay between the psychedelic itself, the therapist's skill, client readiness and the environment.”

Keep reading:

With Australia at the forefront of global implementation of psychedelic-assisted therapy, clinicians and service leaders are identifying promising new applications that could revolutionise our mental health treatment systems.

13/05/2026

Congratulations to Dr Bosco Rowland on his promotion to Associate Professor, effective 1 July 2026.

Dr Rowland’s career has centred on understanding behaviour change and designing prevention strategies that improve community health.

He says several people have inspired and mentored him throughout his career. “Three particular academics include Professor John Wiggers, from Hunter New England Population Health; Professor John Toumbourou, from the Lifespan Institute at Deakin University; and, more recently, Professor Dan Lubman AM from the Eastern Health Clinical School at Monash University,” he says.

From developing alcohol management training for community sport to implementing the Communities That Care framework across Australia, his longitudinal work has shaped how we understand behaviour change across the lifespan, informing prevention and early intervention strategies nationwide.

Dr Rowland now leads a $1.97M MRFF‑funded project focused on understanding the link between online and physical alcohol availability and mental and physical health problems among adolescents and young adults.

Congratulations to Dr Rowland on this well‑deserved achievement! We look forward to seeing the continued impact of his work in shaping healthier communities.

Keep reading: https://www.turningpoint.org.au/about-us/news/congratulations-dr-bosco-rowland

12/05/2026

Want to feel calmer and more confident in tough conversations?

This free BreakThrough webinar is designed for families and friends supporting someone with addiction. You’ll learn practical communication tools, assertiveness tips and ways to encourage change without pushing them away. It’s a relaxed one hour online session that’s all about building confidence and connection. Small changes can make a big difference.

Save your spot and sign up today!
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/breakthrough-communicating-with-confidence-tickets-1977847304530?aff=oddtdtcreator

11/05/2026

It's today! Have you registered for our information webinar about the Graduate Program of Addictive Behaviours at Monash University? Register now, or you'll miss out!

Join us this evening to learn how our postgraduate courses in addictive behaviours can help you deepen your expertise, specialise, and broaden your career opportunities.

You'll hear from course leaders and students as they share how the fully online Graduate Program of Addictive Behaviours equips graduates with practical skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact in the field.

🔹When: 6pm, Tuesday 12 May 2026
🔹Where: Online

🔹More information about the Graduate Program of Addictive Behaviours: https://www.turningpoint.org.au/education/programs/higher-education

🔹 Register for the webinar: https://monash.zoom.us/webinar/register/2317768250177/WN_NLv7qoznS7-cLAK5x4LIOw #/registration

05/05/2026

Want to understand what’s happening when someone you love struggles with addiction?

This free BreakThrough webinar explores how alcohol and other drugs affect the brain, why behaviours change, and what families can do to support and stay connected. It’s one hour online, practical and encouraging, with people who get what you’re going through.

Take the next step and sign up today:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/copy-of-breakthrough-understanding-addiction-tickets-1977847279455?aff=oddtdtcreator