September marks Suicide Prevention Month, an important reminder of the role we can all play in reducing stigma and helping people feel able to seek support early. For the first time, Australian national frameworks are recognising the impact and role alcohol and other drug use play in suicide and suicide prevention: AOD use is now listed as a risk factor in the National Suicide Prevention Strategy 2025-2035. Relevant objectives and actions sit across the two key domains:

• Prevention of suicidal distress from arising.

• Support for people experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviours and those who care for them.

The Strategy also describes improving the suicide prevention support system, including alcohol and other drug services. More about suicide co-occurring with AOD use in this article and here.

Stigma remains a significant barrier to care, particularly for people experiencing mental health and substance use concerns, and changing the way we talk about these issues is an essential part of changing that.

• Our research brief on stigma explores how it can show up across mental health and AOD settings, including the ‘double stigma’ experienced by people with co-occurring conditions, and provides practical resources for healthcare workers. Turning Point’s Framing Addiction and Dependence message guide is another useful resource for anyone communicating about addiction or dependence, with practical guidance on language that can help reduce stigma and encourage support-seeking. Read the research brief here and the message guide here.

  -

• It’s also exciting to see our work on trauma/PTSD and substance use come together in our new research report. Developed in partnership with Phoenix Australia, Monash Art, Design and Architecture (MADA) and Spectrum, the project brought together 28 participants through co-design workshops, including people with lived experience of trauma/PTSD and substance use. Their knowledge and perspectives were central to shaping practical guidance for strengthening integrated care across tertiary, community health and emergency care settings. Read the report.

  -

• Women’s Health Week was another opportunity to talk about stigma and how it can affect help-seeking. I joined the Women’s Agenda Health & Wellbeing Summit in Sydney for a conversation about women’s relationship with alcohol, challenging common myths and taking shame and judgement out of conversations about seeking help. Alcohol intersects with many areas of women’s health, and providing clear, non-judgemental information can help women make informed choices about their health and wellbeing.

  -

• I also invite you to read a recent commentary I co-authored with psychiatrists from across Australia on methamphetamine psychosis and the new ANZJP GRADE Guidelines for Schizophrenia. We highlight the gaps in evidence and clinical guidance for supporting people who use methamphetamine and experience psychosis, and the need for clearer approaches to care. Read the commentary.

We’d love to stay connected. Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest research, training and resources from the Hamilton Centre.