Previous Research
Integrated care for comorbid alcohol dependence and anxiety and/or depressive disorder
The treatment of alcohol dependence and psychological disorders is often the responsibility of different services, and this can hinder the treatment process.
During treatment, the time to relapse is shorter, the drop-out rate is increased, and long-term alcohol consumption is greater for those with comorbid major depression or anxiety disorder than those with an alcohol use disorder with no comorbid mental disorder.
This trial assessed the effectiveness of a specialised, integrated intervention for alcohol dependence with comorbid anxiety and/or mood disorder using a randomised design in an outpatient hospital setting.
The efficacy of OCB on substance use and comorbid suicide risk
People with substance use disorders who present with suicidal behavior are at high risk of subsequent suicide, and there are few effective treatments specifically tailored for this population that diminish this risk.
We aimed to assess the impact of an opportunistic cognitive behavioral intervention package (OCB) among adult outpatients with a substance use and comorbid suicide risk.
Baclofen in the treatment of alcohol dependence with or without liver disease
There are no available medications for the management of alcohol dependence for patients with alcoholic liver disease (ALD).
This trial examined baclofen in the treatment of alcohol dependence, with or without liver disease
N acetylcysteine in the treatment of alcohol use disorder
N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a potent antioxidant that modulates glutamatergic signalling which is thought to play a role in alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Researchers conducted a 28 day double-blind, placebo-controlled (PL) randomized trial of NAC in the treatment of AUD.
The 5-HT2C receptor as a therapeutic target for alcohol and methamphetamine use disorders
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) and methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) are prevalent and have high adverse impacts on both the individual and society. Current treatment strategies for these disorders are ineffective at a population level. Lorcaserin, a 5-HT2C receptor agonist, has shown potential at reducing the symptoms of substance use disorder.
This pilot study (initiated prior to market withdrawal) examined feasibility and safety of lorcaserin treatment in people undergoing residential detoxification and treatment for AUD and MUD.
Brain Training App pilot trial
Exposure to alcohol-related cues (for example, images, sounds and advertisements featuring alcohol) is known to induce cravings in people experiencing an alcohol use disorder, and these cravings can lead to further alcohol use.
A form of computerised "brain-training" called Cognitive Bias Modification (CBM) can reduce these impulses, and reduce the likelihood of alcohol consumption, by training people to repeatedly respond to alcohol and non-alcohol images in a certain way.
Read the papers:
Cognitive Bias Modification to prevent relapse after alcohol withdrawal
This cognitive bias modification (CBM) research project aimed to tests whether 4 short sessions of “brain-training”, using a laptop and joystick and delivered while clients were in residential withdrawal treatment (i.e., “detoxification”), helped people avoid relapse to alcohol use after discharge from treatment.
Ready2Change – Alcohol Trial
Alcohol use and related harm is a significant issue for many Australians. However, few people seek help from traditional alcohol and other drug treatment services due to concerns about privacy, experiences of shame and stigma, time constraints (e.g. due to work or child care responsibilities), or thinking their drinking isn’t serious enough to warrant conventional treatment.
The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a telephone-delivered cognitive and behavioural intervention, Ready2Change, in reducing problem alcohol use among people facing challenges with their alcohol use.
Health4Her
While alcohol consumption overall in Australia has been decreasing, the level of risky drinking among women over the age of 40 has been increasing, a demographic who are at highest lifetime risk for developing breast cancer.
Alcohol is a major modifiable risk factor for breast cancer, even in low amounts. Yet, awareness of this risk remains low, and is not routinely addressed in healthcare settings.
Health4hHer is an evidence-based health promotion program that helps women attending breast screening services protect themselves from the harm caused by alcohol.