S1 E7: Drugs

For some people living with mental health issues, the impacts of drug use can be devastating and even fatal. However, for some, intoxication can also be a source of joy, inspiration, and self-knowledge. What do you reckon? This episode features two of Australia’s most prominent and influential voices around all things related to drugs, and their opinions might not be the ones you expect.

Guests:

Professor Nadine Ezard is the Director of the National Centre for Clinical Research on Emerging Drugs as well as being the Clinical Director of the Alcohol and Drug Service at St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney.

Nadine has over 25 year’s experience in the addiction medicine field and is considered one of Australia’s experts. After gaining her medical qualifications from the University of Melbourne, she acquired her Master of Public Health from Harvard and her PhD in Public Health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical medicine.

She has received multiple accolades being included in Australian Financial Review’s 100 Women of Influence. She has previously worked for the World Health Organization, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime.

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In Club Mind, Roy, Bill, and Caz ruminate on Nadine’s interview with candidness and gusto.
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Tony Trimingham OAM lost his son, Damien, 24 years ago to a heroin overdose. Since then, he started an organisation called Family Drug Support. He has been a counsellor and group leader for over 30 years and has assisted many families who suffer the impact of alcohol and other drugs on the lives of loved ones.

In 1998, Prime Minister John Howard made him a founding member of the Australian National Council on Drugs – a principle advisory body to the federal government. Tony has been awarded many accolades for his work with the community, including being honoured with an Order of Australia medal for his work in the community.

Contact Information:

Family Drug Support (FDS)

Contact Family Drug Support (FDS) for help dealing with drug and alcohol use with your loved ones. Their free national telephone support line is available 24 hours a day from anywhere in Australia. They also provide support groups, education programs, counselling and bereavement services for families.

Phone: 1300 368 186

Website: fds.org.au

Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) 

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation provides facts, resources and programs to help prevent alcohol and other drug harm in Australian communities.

Phone: 1300 858 584

Website: adf.org.au

Kids Helpline

Kids Helpline provides a free, private and confidential phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. The service is available 24 hours a day from anywhere in Australia.

Phone: 1800 551 800

Website: kidshelpline.com.au

Lifeline

Contact Lifeline for support if you are experiencing a personal crisis or have suicidal thoughts. You can call them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from anywhere in Australia.

Lifeline 24-hour crisis line: 13 11 14

Website: www.lifeline.org.au