Tuesday 13th and Wednesday 14th May, 2025 JW Marriott Resort & Spa Gold Coast

Embracing the Hope and Healing Journey

Integrating Trauma, Treatment, Prevention, and Recovery in Addiction

Join Us at Addictionz 2025

AddictionZ encompasses the A to Z of addiction trends and treatments. Bringing together the Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drugs sector and behavioural health workers in a new format, with a new vision.

Recognising that addiction is more than just drugs, alcohol and gambling, we've put together a bold and inclusive program with collaboration at its core.

AddictionZ is for all mental health alcohol and other drug workers as well as behavioural health professionals, hospital and health services workers and all Addiction researchers.

THE MISSION

Be part of the ADDZ25 mission. Together we will:

Support multi-sectoral collaboration and create a platform for knowledge sharing, case studies and learning opportunities to advance the prevention, treatment and recovery of patients. 
Provide a platform for MHAOD professionals access to the latest research, projects, programs and strategies to help meet the diverse and complex needs of their clients. 
Share best practices and facilitate meaningful connections to transform addiction, shift perspectives, and explore emerging trends. 
Provide real solutions with applicable takeaways for all MHAOD workers and behavioural health professionals from across Australia & New Zealand. 
Review global addiction research, fresh perspectives, lived experience & case studies.

Who attends AddictionZ?

Here’s a snapshot of delegates who typically attend AddictionZ

AddictionZ brings together MHAOD workers and behavioral health professionals, peer and support workers, people with lived experience, as well as government and policy professionals within the Addiction and AOD sector. Delegates include: 

MHAOD sector workers
Psychologists and psychiatrists
Nurses
Medical practitioners
Addiction medicine specialists
Case workers
Addiction specialists and NGOs
Rehab facility workers and leaders
Research officers 
AOD case managers
Government representatives and policy makers
Indigenous liaison manager
Youth workers
Social workers
Allied health (including social workers, psychologists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, exercise physiologists, dietitians, counsellors, psychotherapists and pharmacists)
Indigenous MHAOD workers
Peer workers
Consumer and carer advocates and consultants
Therapy aids and assistants
Support or rehabilitation workers and other residential support workers
Administrative support, managerial and leadership, quality and safety staff.

Is AddictionZ for me?

Yes! AddictionZ is the conference for you if you’re looking for….

Honest and brave conversations around addictions, mental health and behavioural health.
Up-to-date research and application based presentations around innovations in the prevention, treatment and recovery of addiction.
Thoughtful sessions from some of the sector’s leading minds, practitioners and researchers.
A platform to ask the big questions and address the more pressing issues within the sector.
Information on new idea, holistic treatments, innovations and technologies supporting sector professionals.
A break away from your every-day to focus on the future of the sector.

What will I gain from attending AddictionZ?

Connection, Fresh Thinking, Support

Connect with your peers across the MHAOD and behavioural health sector; learn from eachother, network and share.
Be refreshed with new ideas and innovative approaches to treatment and recovery models.
Walk away engergised by the changing landscape of the sector and your future within it.

You'll have:

A personalised letter of attendance
Over 10 hours towards CPD
Access to the conference app
Access to all recorded keynote and concurrent presentations (For 30 days)

The Fun Stuff

Attend AddictionZ on the Gold Coast and enjoy:

An exclusive welcome networking function with drinks and canapes
A full day catering package for the entire conference with morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea
A special gift for returning delegates
The chance to win awesome prizes at the event
Chillout mindfulness zones
Special extras we organise for all delegates
Introductions to exhibition partners to see what’s new and interesting in the sector

AddictionZ connects mental and behavioural health professionals with integrated approaches to prevention, treatment, and recovery.

Keynote Speakers

Dr Inez Fainga'a-Manu Sione

Community Research Fellow of Village Connect & Griffith University

**Learn More**

Vanessa Beesley

Associate Professor, The Psychedelic Medicine and Supportive Care Lab at QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute.

**Learn More**

Michael Winlo
CEO, Emyria
**Learn More**

Professor Adam Bourne
Professor of Public Health, Director of the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society at La Trobe University in Melbourne
**Learn More**

Associate Professor Emily Stockings
BPsych, PhD
**Learn More**

Nicki Dowling
BPsych, PhD
**Learn More**

Dr David Graham
MBBS BSc(Hons) MPsychMed MPhil PhD CertPsychotherapyPsych FRANZCP
**Learn More**

The AddictionZ Program

What will I hear at AddictionZ?

Embracing the Hope and Healing Journey: Integrating Trauma, Treatment, Prevention, and Recovery in Addiction.

AddictionZ Topics (Click to Expand)

Cutting-Edge Approaches in Addiction Medicine: From Innovations in Pharmacology to Neurobiological Insights
- Advances in Pharmacotherapy / Medication-Assisted Treatment for substance use disorders
- The neurobiological mechanisms of addiction and how they inform therapeutic interventions
- Innovative approaches to nicotine dependence: beyond traditional methods
- Exploring new frontiers: Psychedelics in addiction treatment
- Tailoring Pharmacotherapy: Individualised treatment plans based on genetic profiles
Navigating the intersection: Addressing Addiction and Co-occurring Diagnoses/Disorders
- Addressing mental health and substance use comorbidities
- Managing chronic pain and substance use disorders
- ADHD and substance use disorders: Understanding the link
- Disordered eating, exercise addiction, and substance use: insights into treatment and recovery
- Complex trauma and addiction
- The intersection of domestic violence and substance use: strategies for intervention
Behavioural Addictions: Understanding and Addressing Modern Dependencies
- The Vaping Epidemic: Understanding its Rise, Risks and Intervention Strategies
- Gaming addiction: Support strategies and interventions.
- Gambling addiction: Risk factors and effective treatments.
- Technology addiction: Mental health impacts and prevention strategies.
- Sexual addiction: Risk factors, impacts, and evidence-based treatments.
- Eating addiction: Overcoming food-related dependencies.
- Exercise addiction: Impacts and intervention approaches.
- Expanding Beyond Chemsex: Addressing the Growing Trend of Drug Use for Sexual Enhancement Across Diverse Populations
- The Rise of Nitazenes: A Deep Dive into the New Wave of Synthetic Opioids
- Drug availability through cryptomarkets and the dark web.
Cultural Humility and Demographic-specific Treatment Issues
- Supporting marginalised individuals in addiction treatment and Recovery
- Culturally sensitive approaches and community-based programs for all First Nations and Indigenous
- Culturally responsive approaches and community-based programs for multicultural communities
- Addiction in adolescents and emerging adults
- Strategies to support individuals facing economic hardship and homelessness in addiction recovery
- Veterans and military personnel: addiction and recovery
- Racial and ethnic considerations in addiction treatment
- Understanding the intersection of menopause, mental health, and alcohol use
Multiple Pathways to Recovery: Innovative Approaches and Practices
- Residential and in-patient programs: comprehensive care for long-term recovery
- Transformative journeys: personal stories of resilience and recovery
- Mutual aid groups: enhancing recovery through community support
- Family dynamics: supporting recovery through relational health
- Building recovery capital: strategies for sustainable re-entry
- Integrative approaches: yoga and mindfulness in addiction recovery
- Nature-based recovery: exploring outdoor and adventure therapy
- Expressive arts and music therapy: healing through creativity
Supporting Families Affected by Addiction
- Family-based interventions for substance abuse prevention and treatment
- Family-inclusive practices and support for parents in active use
- Family integration in alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment
- Addressing stigma and building resilience in families
- Children and adolescents living with parental addiction
Connecting for Recovery: Peer Support in Addiction Services
- The role of peer support in recovery: relationship-based Approaches
- Peer support in addiction recovery: Case studies and success stories
- Trauma-informed care and self-care strategies for peer workers
- Ethical considerations and frameworks guiding peer support in addiction services
- Integrating harm reduction strategies into peer support
Digital Health and Technology Innovation in Addiction Treatment
- Digital therapeutics: Apps, wearables, and online programs for recovery.
- Virtual Reality (VR) in therapy: Immersive environments for addiction treatment.
- Digital peer support: Managing online recovery communities and virtual groups.
- Building a connected ecosystem: Coordinating services and data sharing.
- Virtual care coordination: Enhancing communication among multidisciplinary teams.
- Cybersecurity and privacy: Protecting patient data in digital platforms.
- AI in Clinician Feedback and Coaching: Enhancing Professional Development in Addiction Treatment
- Leveraging AI for Personalised Addiction Treatment: Opportunities and Ethical Challenges
Inclusive and Tailored Approaches to Addiction Treatment
- Aging and addiction: Addressing substance use in older adults.
- Neurodivergent individuals: Best practices and tailored interventions.
- Justice-involved individuals: Recovery strategies and reducing recidivism.
- Disabilities and addiction: Inclusive treatment for diverse needs.
- Immigrant and refugee populations: Unique challenges and interventions.
- Parenting and addiction: Balancing recovery and parental responsibilities.
Workplace and Addiction
- Addressing substance use and psychosocial risks in the workplace.
- Employer-sponsored recovery programs: Supporting employees in recovery.
- Strategies to create supportive workplace cultures around substance use.
- The impact of shift work and non-traditional hours on substance use.
- Remote work challenges: Substance use in a post-pandemic landscape.
- Reducing workplace stigma and promoting open dialogue on addiction.
- Understanding and addressing addiction among healthcare professionals.
- Specialized support for vulnerable workers, including the sex industry.
- Peer support programs: Building workplace networks for recovery.

The AddictionZ Committee

The sector leaders who help create the 2025 AddictionZ Conference

Dr Anastasia Hronis

Clinical Psychologist University of Technology Sydney

**Learn More**

Tony Clarkson

Principal Clinical Advisor, Gambling Harm Prevention Response, Mental Health Division, Victorian Department of Health

**Learn More**

Simone P Shaw — Simone Shaw

Clinical Director, Forensic Intervention Services, Department of Justice and Community Safety

**Learn More**

Helen Smyth

Counsellor/community educator Gambling Help Service. Uniting Care Community

**Learn More**

Yasmin Iese — Yasmin Lese

Cultural Consultant I Professional Supervisor, Open Door Consultancy Services

**Learn More**

Carol Daws

Chief Executive Officer, Cyrenian House

**Learn More**

April Long

CEO, SMART Recovery Australia

**Learn More**

Dr Kriscia Tapia

The Matilda Centre, University Of Sydney. Project Manager for Strong & Deadly Futures

**Learn More**

Lt Colonel Lynette Hutson

Assistant Territorial Secretary for Mission, The Salvation Army

**Learn More**

Associate Professor Alex Russell

Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, Cquniversity, Principal Research Fellow

**Learn More**

Nicole Samuela

Snr program development and support service coordinator, BSPHN.

**Learn More**

Simon Ruth

CEO, LGBTI community controlled service Thorne Harbour Health

**Learn More**

Janine Elliott

Naturopath, Gold Coast Detox and Rehab

**Learn More**

Professor Gary Hulse

Division Of Psychiatry University Of Western Australia

**Learn More**

$ 449 + GST

Virtual

Live streaming of all keynote presenters
Live streaming of all sessions in the plenary room over two-day conference period
Virtual presentations
Complete online access to audio and visual presentations for 30 days*
Over 10 hours towards CPD points
Your personalised certificate of attendance

$ 1,199 + GST

In-Person

All keynote presentations
All concurrent presentations
Discounted accommodation rates
Access to conference app
5-star conference catering package
Access to exclusive networking functions
Complete online access to audio and visual presentations for 30 days post-event
Printed conference materials
Over 10 hours towards CPD points
Your personalised certificate of attendance
Exposure for your organisation
Plus, chances to win great prizes!

$ 2,198 + GST

In-Person Group of Two (2 pax)

All keynote presentations
All concurrent presentations
Discounted accommodation rates
Access to conference app
5-star conference catering package
Access to exclusive networking functions
Complete online access to audio and visual presentations for 30 days post-event
Printed conference materials
Over 10 hours towards CPD points
Your personalised certificate of attendance
Exposure for your organisation
Plus, chances to win great prizes!

HAVE A TEAM OF 4 OR MORE?

Fill in this form to receive a personal call from our team with your best possible rate.

“The diversity of the speakers and content and overall quality of the presentations. The conference was extremely well organised and the venue was terrific.”

“I enjoyed some of the presentations, and got some valuable insights to take away to my own work and will look into some of the presenters research and work more closely to see what can be applied to our organization.”

“I was pleased especially with presentation on colonialism, lived and living experience co-workers/peer supporters, and on cultural sensitivity and safety.”

“Very well organised. Extensive variety of presenters.Great venue, amazing food, and afternoon socialising promoted time for discussion rather than disappearing back to accommodation.”

“5 out of 5. The Breadth. The Responses to trends in the field. The First Nations involvement. The Organisational standard. The Associated activities and support!”