Addiction treatment

Discovery

Our research includes examinations of new treatments and mechanism of action of current treatment in order to improve treatment.

 

• A study of cannabidiol (CBD) versus placebo examining the effect of CBD on a range of different functions such as functional connectivity between brain regions, brain activity in response to alcohol and anxiety cues, brain metabolite levels in addition to measures of craving, sleep and mood.

• An MRI study comparing the action of topirmate and naltrexone on functional connectivity between brain regions, brain activity in response to alcohol and anxiety cues, brain metabolite levels and the role of genotypes in these actions.

• An MRI study comparing the action of topirmate and naltrexone on functional connectivity between brain regions, brain activity in response to alcohol and anxiety cues, brain metabolite levels and the role of genotypes.

•  A predictive MRI study examining neural, cognitive and epigenetic predictors of response to MDMA assisted exposure therapy to treat comorbid PTSD and AUD.

 

Treatment

A major focus of our research has been on the treatment of substance use and comorbid mental health disorders. Our research has tested the efficacy of both pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy treatments including several clinical trials.

 

Recent projects include:

• A randomised, double blind, controlled trial comparing naltrexone to topiramate in the treatment of alcohol dependence. It was comprised of a 12-week treatment program with study medications (naltrexone or topiramate) and medical management. NHMRC funded. (2019-2021)

• A randomised, double blind, controlled trial investigating whether N-acetylcysteine is a safe and effective treatment for reducing heavy alcohol consumption. In this study participants are randomly allocated to N-acetylcysteine or matched placebo and undergo a 12-week treatment program with study medications (NAC or placebo) and medical management. NHMRC funded (2022)

• A randomised, double blind, controlled trial comparing the efficacy of 12 sessions of Concurrent Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Substance Use Disorders Using Prolonged Exposure (COPE) with 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted therapy versus COPE with placebo for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in alcohol use disorder, amongst patients with a diagnosis of PTSD. NHMRC funded. (2022)

 

Translation

Our team acknowledges that it is not only important to measure the efficacy of interventions, but that it is also imperative to ensure that these interventions are feasible and implemented effectively. Another focus of our work is therefore on the translation of clinical evidence into practice.

 

Recent projects include:

• An evaluation of the effectiveness of the Pathways to Comorbidity Care (PCC) training program in improving the management of comorbid substance use and mental disorders using an integrated comorbidity management approach. Both the clinical practice outcomes and the implementation outcomes were evaluated.Funded by the NSW Health Translational Research Grant Scheme. (2017-2020)

• Following on from the PCC project, a needs assessment of drug and alcohol and mental health nurses is being conducted to inform a process of engaging leadership in implementing an integrated care management approach to comorbid drug and alcohol and mental disorders with nurses. (2021-2023)

• A feasibility study which tests how easy it is to connect people accessing the NSW Poisons Information Centre (PIC) with an over-the-phone service if they also have problems with drugs or alcohol. Implementation outcomes include patient response, acceptability, adherence and referral. This study has been funded by the Edith Collins Centre for Translational Research in Alcohol Drugs and Toxicology, Seed Funding Grant. (2022-2023)