Build your skills in responding to people with alcohol and other drug problems in mental health settings

When: Monday, 20 October 2025
Time: 9:30am – 1:00pm
Duration: 3.5 hours
Location: Online

Comorbidity is the norm rather than the exception in mental health. In this new series of half day workshops designed specifically for the mental health sector, we cover what you need to know about alcohol and other drug presentations in your clients. Walk away with practical knowledge and skills to respond effectively to clients who experience co-occurring alcohol and other drug and mental health issues. 

Deepen your understanding of co-occurring alcohol and other drug and mental health issues, and build your knowledge, confidence and skills to respond effectively. Learn all about current alcohol and other drug issues, evidence based treatments, and how to effectively incorporate best practice responses into mental health treatment for clients with alcohol and other drug issues.

Alcohol and other Drugs and The Brain

In this workshop, learn how the brain can be affected by drug use and how this impacts on functioning. You will gain a thorough understanding of the functional impact of alcohol and other drugs and their effects on treatment and recovery. We will explore what this means for treatment engagement and participation, and how you can get the best outcomes from your work.

Learning outcomes

• Understand how alcohol and other drugs affect the brain in the short and longer term
• Adapt treatment to enhance outcomes for people who have cognitive impairments

Who should attend

This specialist skills workshop series is suitable for new, experienced and advanced practitioners in clinical mental health settings.

Facilitator: Dr Richard Cash

“Richard was very engaging and presented the information well. I thought it was easy to digest, even with some fairly complex ideas being explained.”

- Commissioned workshop participant, 2024