Earlier in the month, we welcomed our second cohort of student placements for 2025. A 3-day AOD training was held at Riverview Farm and hosted students from UQ, Torrens University, Griffith University and QUT, with student backgrounds in Master of Counselling, Masters of Social Work, Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy and Bachelor of Psychological Sciences (Honours). Over the course of the training, they explored everything from treatment processes and assessment tools to suicide intervention strategies and hands-on roleplays. The space was open, collaborative, and full of energy. Everyone brought something to the table and left with a lot more than they came in with. One of our students said it best: “The 3-day training was very informative in explaining substance use and approaches to different clients. The in-depth information on Models of Substance Dependence and harm minimisation was really helpful, especially since I’d studied it in my bachelor’s but hadn’t focused on AOD specifics. It was a collaborative environment where everyone felt safe to share and build on each other’s ideas. The information shared definitely helped build my confidence in working with AOD clients” - Suhani We wish our students all the best in their studies and hope they gain valuable insights from all that Drug ARM has to offer. #AODTraining #StudentPlacements #CounsellingStudents #SocialWorkTraining #MentalHealthAwareness #PsychologyEducation #SubstanceUse #CollaborativeLearning #GriffithUniversity #UQ #QUT #TorrensUniversity (fb)

That’s a wrap on the AddictionZ Conference 2025! Over the last two days members of our staff attended the AddictionZ conference down at the Gold Coast, with Drug ARM's very own Sharyn, taking home the title of Scissors Paper Rock Champion (and a Wellness Kit) 👑 The conference hosted several distinguished keynote speakers with diverse backgrounds in the mental health, alcohol and other drugs (MHAOD) sector. AddictionZ explores the A to Z of addiction trends and treatments, bringing together MHAOD and behavioural health workers from across the region. Its mission is to recognise that addiction is more than just drugs, alcohol, and gambling. The event gave people the chance to connect, network, learn from each other, and share experiences and ideas. Our staff came away refreshed with new ideas and innovative approaches to treatment and recovery models, and feeling energised by the changing landscape of the sector. AddictionZ supports multi-sectoral collaboration by providing a platform for knowledge sharing, case studies, and learning opportunities that advance prevention, treatment, and recovery. It gives MHAOD professionals access to current research, programs, and strategies that address the complex and diverse needs of clients. By sharing best practices and lived experiences, the conference continues to shift perspectives, explore emerging trends, and offer real solutions for MHAOD and behavioural health professionals across Australia and New Zealand. To our staff that attended - Thank you for proudly representing Drug ARM and your ongoing commitment to learning. Your dedication ensures that the care you provide is thoughtful, informed and truly making a difference. #AddictionZ #MHAOD #MentalHealthAwareness #AddictionRecovery #KnowledgeSharing #AddictionZConference2025 (fb)