Change is rarely a straight line, especially in alcohol and other drug treatment. Some people may want to change but don’t know how. Others might not be sure they want to change. Some degree of uncertainty and ambivalence during treatment is the norm, even in people who are ready and willing to engage. It’s not

Co-occurring mental health issues are the norm among people accessing alcohol and other drug treatment. Up to 76% of clients in alcohol and other drug treatment experience mental health issues. Common co-occurring conditions you might encounter in your clients include anxiety, depression, PTSD, and personality disorders. Sometimes, mental health conditions can lead people to use

Supervision is a formal process of professional support and reflective learning. When it’s done right, it has a huge range of positive benefits for practitioners, organisations and clients. For practitioners working in the alcohol and other drugs sector, good supervision is critical. It offers a chance to reflect on our work in a structured way,

Trauma is common in alcohol and other drug treatment, with about 80% of clients seeking help for alcohol and other drug issues having experienced at least one traumatic event and nearly half (45%) screening positive for PTSD symptoms. Certain groups, including people experiencing homelessness, face even higher trauma exposure levels. While PTSD often captures our

Working with people who use methamphetamine can be complex. You might see high energy and intense focus one day, and then disorganisation or emotional overwhelm another. The impacts of methamphetamine use are broad, and they show up in ways that can challenge even the most experienced workers. Methamphetamine is frequently used alongside alcohol or other

Across alcohol and other drug services, lived experience is common. Around 65% of workers in the sector report having lived experience, about half of whom have personal experience. But for something so widespread, it doesn’t always get openly talked about, especially when it comes to how it affects your daily work. Some people are in