A Comprehensive Exploration into Substance Abuse, Mental Health, and Integrative Interventions for Professionals.
The SAMHI Dual Diagnosis Training course offers an extensive exploration of the complexities of addiction and mental health. The curriculum is divided into two main content areas:
In "Drugs & Effects," participants delve into the interconnection between substance abuse and mental health, understanding how dual diagnosis is approached within an integrative holistic framework. The course begins with an introduction to neuroplasticity, emphasizing the brain's capacity for change, and addresses the fundamental needs and underlying issues that contribute to substance abuse and addiction. It covers global and Australian drug use statistics and behaviors, defining what constitutes a drug, and the cycles and stages of addiction. Specific focus is given to the effects and legal concerns related to alcohol, drunk and drug driving, and drink spiking. The section also tackles various substances including tobacco, cannabis, stimulants like amphetamine and methamphetamine, and ecstasy, and the responses to ICE and other drugs within community development. Participants will learn about the dangers of clandestine drug labs and volatile substance abuse, as well as strategies for engaging with individuals affected by drugs.
The second part, "Addictions & Mental Health," addresses the effectiveness of brief interventions in treating addiction. Participants will study various models of human nature, drawing on the teachings of Dr. Victor Frankl regarding the unique aspects of humans, such as heart, conscience, free will, and the pursuit of meaning in life, as encapsulated in the concept of LOVE. The module also includes a review of mental illness in Australia, the neurobiology of trauma, and how the limbic system is involved. It further discusses the role of neuroplasticity in psychotherapy and psychospirituality, and the sociological aspects of community, belonging, and identity as highlighted by Durkheim. The course emphasizes the existential challenges addressed by Dr. Victor Frankl and explores self-protective coping behaviors as a substitute for love. Participants will also engage with the neuro-physiology of addiction, learn about the two pleasure systems of the brain, and consider the implications of neuroplasticity on learning, healing, and adaptation. The training concludes with an examination of the stages of change in addiction, cross-addiction, memory connections and relapse prevention, and the emotional journey through the grief cycle and anger.
This comprehensive training is designed for professionals seeking a deeper understanding of the interconnected nature of substance abuse and mental health, providing them with practical knowledge and interventions to support individuals struggling with these issues.
Dual Diagnosis Consultant
George Patriki has over 7 years lived experience as an ex-addict himself and spent over 10 years accessing various treatment and recovery programs to work through the underlying issues. Soon after exiting the drug culture in 1983, George began reaching out to people with substance abuse issues and has 27 years of clinical experience as a counsellor, educator and clinical supervisor. Since 1992, he has developed this commitment into a full time vocation and career as a Dual Diagnosis Consultant on the Gold Coast and throughout Australia. George has spent countless hours helping thousands of people affected by drug & alcohol issues as well as concurrent mental health concerns. George is committed to reaching out to people struggling with addictive behaviours, particularly those with severe life controlling problems due to significant trauma. He works in areas of court advocacy, counselling, outreach, running community forums, seminars and recovery groups for drug users (including dual & multiple diagnosis) and their loved ones. George has been delivering training in Dual Diagnosis since 2002. Since then, he has 17 years of experience as an educator to Government and Non-Government organisations in Australia and in 61 countries worldwide through his online Dual Diagnosis Training (www. dualdiagnosistraining . com . au). This training equips workers to be able to deliver brief and early interventions to people struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues, as well as advanced psychotherapeutic skills. He has also developed an Anger Management Program (www . anger . org .au) that is delivered live and online.
