Participation
There are many research projects running at one time at NDARC. Some of these involve interviewing drug users. For the majority of our studies we recruit interviewees through the ‘street press’.
If we are recruiting for specific studies, the details of the studies and the specific participant requirements will be provided here.
Treating post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol use problems
Nearly one in two individuals in the general community have experienced trauma at some stage in life. Most will recover without treatment and get on with their lives. However, some individuals go on to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and, often, to drink excessively. When PTSD and alcohol co-exist, it is advisable to seek appropriate treatment, as these problems tend to worsen over time.
We are currently conducting a randomised controlled trial of treatment for PTSD and alcohol use problems. This is a three-year NHMRC funded collaborative trial between the University of New South Wales, the University of Sydney and the University of Melbourne.
We are seeking individuals who have experienced a serious psychological trauma (such as physical or sexual assault, injury or accident, natural disaster or combat, etc.), are drinking at risky levels (29 or more drinks per week for men, and 15 or more drinks per week for women) and are interested in receiving three months of individual psychological treatment. To be eligible, study participants must be 18 years or older, have reasonable literacy in English, and have no current intent of suicide or self-harm.
Treatment is offered throughout greater metropolitan Sydney, and in particular at Herbert Street Clinic (St Leonards), Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (Camperdown), the Centre for Addiction Medicine at Westmead Hospital (North Parramatta), and National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (Randwick).
For further information, please contact:
Dr Claudia Sannibale on (02) 9385 0259, Dr Kylie Sutherland on (02) 9385 0183, Kirsty Taylor on (02) 9385 0179 or Alicia Visser on (02) 9840 3361.
Study of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for regular amphetamine use and depression
If you are regularly using amphetamines (including speed, base or ice) and experiencing symptoms of depression, you may be interested in free individual counselling through the Steps Through Amphetamines Project. Treatment is provided as part of a research project being run by the University of NSW in conjunction with the University of Newcastle. You can help by giving us information about your own personal lifestyle while participating in free individual treatment.
If you are interested in finding out more about this project then please phone:
Kate Hetherington on (02) 9385 0255 or Erin Kelly on (02) 9385 0243.
Treating co-occurring post traumatic stress disorder and drug use disorders
The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) is conducting a trial in Sydney of a psychological treatment for people with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and drug problems.
PTSD is a condition that some people develop after they have experienced a traumatic event such as physical or sexual assault, or a life threatening accident. People with PTSD find it hard to forget about what happened and move on with their life. They often have nightmares or flashbacks, feel .cut off. or detached from others, have difficulty sleeping or concentrating, feel irritable and .on guard. all the time, and avoid people, places or conversations that remind them of what happened.
Many people with PTSD find it hard to cope with these symptoms and may use drugs as a result.
We are conducting a trial of a psychological treatment for people who are having difficulties coping after experiencing a traumatic event and who wish to cut down on their drug use.
If you are interested in participating in the trial, or you are a clinician and you have a client that you believe meets the above criteria, please call:
Sabine Merz (02) 9385 0170 or Julia Rosenfeld (02) 9385 0145.