Turning Point

26/02/2026

Thank you to everyone who has recently taken part in one of Turning Point’s research studies.

Your time, generosity and commitment are helping us build stronger evidence, improve treatment options and create better outcomes for communities. We couldn’t do it without you.

We currently have a massive eight studies looking for eligible participants.

Click below to find out more, and please share this with your friends, family and colleagues to help us reach everyone interested in participating in Turning Point research:
https://createsend.com/t/y-E16D04DBBAC4220A2540EF23F30FEDED

26/02/2026

Thank you to everyone who has donated to Turning Point 💜 Every contribution helps us deliver life-changing care, education, and research for individuals and families impacted by addiction.

Your generosity is helping us reach more people and provide the hope, connection and support that brings us closer to a future free from stigma and harm.

If you haven’t donated yet, there’s still time to be part of this change. Every gift, big or small, helps build a better future.

Follow the link to support our work today: https://www.turningpoint.org.au/donate

25/02/2026

Thinking of doing an alcohol detox?

If you have recently detoxed from alcohol or are considering a supervised withdrawal program, you may be eligible for our research study.

By taking part, you’ll be helping us better understand how people behave after they have withdrawn from alcohol.

Participation involves installing an app on your phone to track your behaviour, and completing a few questionnaires over 3 months.

The study is entirely confidential and voluntary. You will be reimbursed for your time.

For more information, contact the research team at: EARSTrial@easternhealth.org.au

Find out if you are eligible and register your interest: https://redcap.link/earstp_eoi

25/02/2026

📣 New AODstats data show GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) remains an issue across Victoria 📣

The latest data on family violence, assaults and drug and alcohol harms in Victoria are now available on the AODstats website to guide targeted, effective responses.

Bulletin 12 has also been released, and highlights areas that recorded the highest number of ambulance attendances and DirectLine telephone counselling and referral sessions for GHB.

Health professionals, policy planners and service providers are invited to access the site to identify the locations, circumstances and groups of people who are experiencing family violence, assaults and drug and alcohol harms, which can inform targeted planning and effective responses.

Read more:

The latest data on family violence, assaults and drug and alcohol harms in Victoria are now available to guide targeted, effective alcohol and other drug responses, with GHB identified as an ongoing concern.

24/02/2026

Recovery can feel like a bumpy road for everyone involved.

This free BreakThrough webinar is for families and friends wanting to understand how to support a loved one while looking after themselves. In one hour online, you’ll learn about coping with relapse, self-care strategies, and staying connected through the ups and downs. It’s practical, supportive and all about real life.

Join others who get it and sign up today: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/breakthrough-recovery-for-everyone-tickets-1977351761347?aff=oddtdtcreator

23/02/2026

The February edition of our Research Roundup is out now!

In this edition:
👉 New research has found that the usual drop in ambulance attendances for suicidal and self‑harm behaviours during school holidays has disappeared since the pandemic.
👉 A paper exploring the relationship between shame and alcohol use among Aboriginal women in Australia has identified narrative therapy as a culturally appropriate and effective approach.
👉 Recent graduate and senior peer support worker Jayden Fisher shares insights into the benefits of postgraduate study in Addictive Behaviours.
👉 Plus, our latest publications, webinar recordings, opportunities to participate in research, and more!

Keep reading: https://mailchi.mp/turningpoint/turning-point-research-updates-17331467

23/02/2026

Today is National Hospitality Workers Appreciation Day, a chance to recognise the vital contribution hospitality workers make to our communities.

It’s also an opportunity to bring attention to the impacts of drinking cultures among hospitality workers and the positive changes already underway.

Drinking during or after a shift has long been a common practice among hospitality workers. But attitudes are shifting, and many workers are finding new ways to unwind, support each other, and reduce harm.

⭐️Hospo drinking cultures project
As part of VicHealth’s Men’s Risky Drinking Initiative, “Hospo drinking cultures” seeks to amplify the positive changes already underway through a series of short, animated documentaries.

The animations feature personal stories from hospitality workers like Martin, featured in the video below – people who are changing hospitality cultures to facilitate low-risk drinking and foster care between hospitality workers.

By acknowledging this day, we can all play a role in supporting healthier workplace cultures and promote ways to unwind that protect the wellbeing of hospitality workers everywhere.

Watch all the animations: https://hospodrinkingcultures.org.au/animation/

Learn more about the research behind the Hospo Drinking Cultures project: https://www.turningpoint.org.au/about-us/news/New-campaign-challenges-the-cultures-of-high-risk-drinking-among-male-hospitality-students-and-workers

Keep an eye out for a new research project starting this year that further explores alcohol consumption and hospitality work.

18/02/2026

Turning Point is delighted to welcome PhD candidate Isabella Papadopoulos to our Clinical & Social Research team!

Supervised by Professor Victoria Manning and Professor Patrick Olivier, Ms Papadopoulos joins us as part of a major National Health and Medical Research Council - NHMRC ‑ funded project that is set to transform alcohol treatment for thousands of Australians.

Her research brings together neuroscience, AI-powered personalisation and digital health design to develop clinician-friendly Cognitive Bias Modification ( ) tools that enhance engagement and improve long-term outcomes.

“The opportunity to work within a large, multi‑site implementation trial embedded in clinical services and supported by interdisciplinary expertise made Turning Point the ideal environment for my doctoral work,” she says.

“I am looking forward to working in a team that is at the forefront of improving outcomes for people experiencing alcohol dependence and other substance-related harms.”

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

17/02/2026

Feeling overwhelmed by a loved one’s addiction? You’re not alone!

Our free BreakThrough webinar helps families and friends understand the emotional impact of addiction and offers practical ways to care for yourself. In one hour online, you’ll explore grief, stress, and compassion fatigue, and learn strategies to protect your wellbeing while staying connected.

Take a step towards support and sign up today:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/breakthrough-emotional-impact-of-addiction-tickets-1977351499564?aff=oddtdtcreator

16/02/2026

A new article by Dr Anni Hine Moana (Lecturer, Graduate Program of Addictive Behaviours, Monash University) has explored the relationship between shame and alcohol use among Aboriginal women and identified narrative therapy as a culturally appropriate and effective approach – one that enables women to reframe their experiences and rebuild positive self-identities.

Drawing on interviews with Aboriginal women, counsellors and community workers, and published in the Australian Counselling Association’s Research Journal, Dr Hine Moana’s work highlights how trans‑generational trauma, systemic racism and gendered oppression shape experiences of alcohol use and create barriers to help‑seeking.

Her message for practitioners is clear: health care services must move beyond symptom-focused interventions and engage with the lived realities of Aboriginal women.

This includes:
👉 Creating culturally safe spaces where women can share their stories without interruption.
👉 Acknowledging historical and ongoing injustices, including the legacy of the Stolen Generations and the impact of racialised misogyny.
👉 Employing narrative and storied approaches that support identity reconstruction and healing.
👉 Validating lived experience and supporting justice-seeking as part of the therapeutic process.

Keep reading: https://www.turningpoint.org.au/about-us/news/listening-deeply-narrative-therapy-pathway-beyond-shame

12/02/2026

Monash University is seeking people aged 18+ to participate in research investigating how changes in attention and impulses relate to drinking alcohol.

Participation involves a 3-hour in-person session in Caulfield, Melbourne, to test your emotional, physical and behavioural reactions while viewing pictures and videos of alcohol.

You will be reimbursed for your time.

Find out more: https://ow.ly/7YLL50YbZJT

11/02/2026

Is alcohol affecting the quality of your sleep?

Turning Point is seeking participants who have recently completed (or are planning to complete) a supervised alcohol detox program to take part in a study investigating a medication to relieve insomnia symptoms and alcohol problems.

Those involved will receive medical checks and be in the care of clinicians with extensive training and experience.

For more information: email trialstp@turningpoint.org.au

Find out if you are eligible: https://monash.syd1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_06d3WLHT2m4UJFA