Gambling addiction is insidious, often referred to as the purest form of addiction. The overall effects of gambling on Australian society are immeasurable. Most people tend to focus on individual losses, neglecting the flow-on effects on loved ones, family members, the community, social cohesion, productivity, poverty, and crime. Rare are the overall accumulative effects on … Read more
Drug addiction, a treatable yet incurable disorder, demands a rigorous approach towards recovery that not only addresses temporary abstinence but also encompasses a broader spectrum of physical, psychological, and social well-being. This intricate process involves a series of steps, including the management of relapses, which are often seen as an integral part of the recovery … Read more
Social media’s grasp on daily life has reached unparalleled heights, with platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok embedding deeply into the fabric of society. Everyone seems far too connected and engaged to discuss the dark side of social media. Particularly alarming is the revelation that teens are now dedicating roughly nine hours a day … Read more
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder that roots itself in childhood, showcasing a broad spectrum of symptoms that can persist well into adulthood for roughly three out of four individuals. This enduring nature of ADHD symptoms propels a discussion on its implications beyond mere childhood challenges, hinting at a deeper correlation with addiction … Read more
The impact of how alcohol and drug abuse affect your family and loved ones unfolds in layers, affecting them in multiple domains—emotional, financial, legal, and medical. These substances weave a complex web of conflict, mistrust, and deteriorated communication among family members, creating an environment where understanding and harmony once thrived. Such challenges invite a profound … Read more
The first 90 days are truly a majestic feat for many people in recovery. Its powers can be utterly elusive, seemingly part of an exclusive club whose members are rewarded at the very least, in Narcotics Anonymous, with a beautiful red chip. Sometimes this chip is shiny, other times it can be a deep matted … Read more
Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is a complex condition characterised by an overwhelming desire to use opioids like oxycodone, heroin, and fentanyl, among others, which leads to significant distress or impairment. The condition not only involves a physical dependence, evident through increased tolerance and withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation but also carries a heavy psychological burden. Despite … Read more
Occupational health and safety (OHS) is a part of everyday life, with risk assessments (RA) playing a pivotal role in creating safer work, study, and public spaces. RA instruments’ effectiveness in acute mental health units (AMHU) has provoked controversy and contradictory research regarding their utility. Research literature reflects a lack of standard RAs to address … Read more
The prescribing of psychotropic medications like benzodiazepines and stimulants for children has been on the rise, with these drugs being used as first-line treatments for various mental health disorders despite limited information on their efficacy in this age group. These medications work by altering levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine in the brain, … Read more
An Australian Government key reform has consistently been to peruse a “National Evidence-Based Policy for Service Planning and Delivery” (Australian Government Response to Contributing Lives, Thriving Communities: Review of Mental Health Programmes and Services, 2015). In the past, general practitioners predominately prescribed psychotropic medications to treat mental health disorders, while pharmaceutical companies sponsor directly or … Read more