NCPIC - News

Finding the right help: Pathways for culturally diverse clients with cannabis use and mental health issues

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

This qualitative study examines the experiences of those with co-existing issues engaging with mental health or alcohol and other drugservices. Results found that engaging with specialist services was challenging for nearly all the clients interviewed, yet it appeared even more so for those from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds. This was largely due to additional challenges and pressures relating to their migration experiences, language barriers and not understanding the Australian healthcare system. Despite the challenges, clients spoke highly of the services and workers they were currently engaged with, identifying what they had found helpful and providing recommendations for addressing co-existing issues and working with clients from CALD backgrounds.

This research was conducted jointly by the Drug and Alcohol Multicultural Education Centre (DAMEC) and the National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre (NCPIC). The project was funded by the NSW Health Department and supported by the Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies (NADA). For hard copies of the summary report contact research@damec.org.au

Click on the links below to download PDFs of the report.

Cannabis Information and Helpline Study

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NCPIC is conducting a free telephone-based cannabis treatment study. The treatment is based on cognitive behavioural and motivational interviewing strategies and is complimented by a self-help ‘quitting cannabis workbook’. The treatment involves four sessions, or calls, over four weeks made by counsellors from the Cannabis Information and Helpline. Anybody interested in participating must; live in Australia, be over 16, be English literate, and want to quit or reduce their cannabis use. Participants will be reimbursed for costs incurred at the end of a three month follow-up study on the treatment outcomes. To take part in this treatment, please phone the Cannabis Information and Helpline service on 1800 30 40 50.

Management of cannabis use disorder and related issues: A clinician's guide

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Click here, or 'Download PDF' below, to download a copy of the new NCPIC publication, Management of cannabis use disorder and related issues: a clinician's guide. The Background Papers which informed the development of this best practice, evidence-based guide are also available for downloading by clicking here.

Cannabis withdrawal experiment seeking participants

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Are you a regular cannabis user willing to quit for two weeks?

The University of New South Wales are conducting a study on the experiences associated with cannabis use and quitting. If you meet our eligibility criteria and are interested in helping us to find out more about the psychological mechanisms of cannabis use, please join our discreet study. You could help us to help people who are having difficulties in reducing or quitting their cannabis use.

You need to be at least 18 years of age
Be a regular cannabis user
Be prepared to go cold turkey and quit smoking cannabis for a period of two weeks
Have daily access to the internet
Be prepared to come into our offices in Randwick to sit interviews and assessments and give urine samples

We will provide information, support, and referrals to assist you with achieving abstinence. We will reimburse you for your time, effort, and travel, to encourage abstinence during the experimental period. If you want to find out more about our innovative study, please contact Dr David Allsop (cannabiswithdrawal@unsw.edu.au)

Free online treatment for cannabis use

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre (NCPIC) is conducting a free, web-based treatment study for cannabis use. The treatment is completely confidential* and available world-wide.

If you are 18 or older and want to quit or reduce your cannabis use, please email reduceyouruse@med.unsw.edu.au for more information.

*Except where any information provided involves significant harm to self or others or suggested child abuse.

New National Drug Strategy Monograph Series report: 'Cannabis and Mental Health: Put into Context'

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing released a report Cannabis and Mental Health: Put into Context, as part of its National Drug Strategy Monograph Series. Click Download PDF below, to read the report.

Helping someone with problem cannabis use: Mental Health First Aid Guidelines

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000

New first aid guidelines for problem cannabis use have recently been released to help the community identify and assist users who are developing a problem with their cannabis use or are in a cannabis-related crisis.

The guidelines, the first to be produced in the world, have been researched and produced by Orygen Youth Health for the National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre (NCPIC), funded by the Australian Government, based at the University of NSW, and are a response to the growing body of evidence that links cannabis use to a range of physical and mental health problems.

They are designed to inform members of the community how to recognize when someone’s cannabis use has become a problem, how to provide initial support and information, and how to guide the user to seek professional help.

Click 'Download pdf' below to access these guidelines.

Working with CALD clients with co-existing issues (NSW)

Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00:00 +0000

NCPIC is collaborating with the Drug and Alcohol Multicultural Education Centre (DAMEC) on a study investigating the pathways and barriers people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds experience when accessing services for co-existing mental health and cannabis use issues. The study is funded by NSW Health. The DAMEC research team is interested in talking to workers in the drug and alcohol and mental health areas about their experiences with CALD and non-CALD clients. The team is also interested in talking to both CALD and non-CALD clients of these services. Our aim is to generate discussion and knowledge around equity of access to services for people from CALD backgrounds who have co-existing cannabis and mental health issues. For further information, or if you would like to participate in the study, please contact Ian at (02) 9699 3552, 0423 017 780, or at research@damec.org.au

New Podcast: Conversation with Associate Professor Dan Lubman and Professor Iain McGregor - recent research relating to cannabis' effect on the brain.

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

In the current episode of the University of Melbourne's Up Close series, they discuss scientists' current understanding of the short and long term effects of cannabis on brain structure and function, as well as its impact on adolescent development. The podcast also discusses recent work examining the science of cannabis re-intoxification, as well as recent genetic and brain imaging studies. Click here to go to Podcast.

Use your experience with problem drug use to help others

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Guidelines on how to help someone with a drug use problem are being developed at The University of Melbourne. We are looking for participants to complete a series of online questionnaires about topics such as ‘how to talk to someone about their problem drug use’ and ‘how to manage someone when they are affected by drugs’. If you have had a problem with drug use or you have cared for someone with drug use problems AND you are in advocacy role*, please email annak@unimelb.edu.au or go to our website for more information about participating.

*By advocacy role, we mean ‘having represented the interests of problem drug users or their carers within the community, so that you have an understanding of problem drug use beyond your own personal experience’.