This webinar equips GPs and other primary care workers in Gippsland with practical skills to identify and manage patients with co-occurring mental health and substance use issues. Many patients struggle to express psychological distress or may avoid disclosing substance use due to stigma. This session focuses on reducing stigma, building your confidence in screening, and understanding local referral pathways. You’ll gain practical tools, explore real-world scenarios, and learn how to ask the right questions, hold safe and supportive conversations, and respond in ways that build trust and keep patients engaged in care.
This webinar will assist you to:
- Recognise effective screening and communication approaches to identify comorbid AOD and mental health concerns, especially in patients who struggle to describe their distress or are reluctant to disclose substance use.
- Apply patient-centred, non-stigmatising language when asking sensitive questions about substance abuse use and mental health in a simulated interaction.
- Identify appropriate local AOD and mental health services in the Gippsland region for ongoing support.
Presenters: Dr. Chris Holmwood (FRACP, FAChAM) & Dr. Matthew Stevens (PhD).
Chris is an Addiction Medicine Specialist, with a background in custodial health and general practice. His main professional interest is in assisting non-alcohol-and-drug-specialist services help people with substance use related problems.
Matt is a Senior Research Specialist working at Adelaide University. His research is focused on biomedical, public health and psychological approaches to identifying, preventing and treating substance use and behavioural addictions.
