Current Research Trials

We are currently conducting a number of research trials at Drug Health Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and collaborating institutions:

Trial of a new medication for treatment of alcohol dependence

We are examining the effectiveness of a new medication in the treatment of alcohol dependence. This medication is believed to work by reducing your urge to have a drink. Eligible volunteers will be randomly allocated to one of three treatment groups: a placebo (inactive medication) group, a lower dose group and a higher dose group. No one involved in the trial will know what treatment you have been allocated to. You will be asked to stay on the course of medication for 12 weeks, and will undergo follow-up assessment one month after finishing the course.

If you would like help to control your drinking and are willing to attend weekly appointments at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, you could be eligible to take part in this trial. For more information, please contact Rachel on (02) 9515 7210 or on alcoholtreatment@med.usyd.edu.au.


Combined Alcohol and Social Phobia (CASP) Treatment Program

For many, alcohol is part of a good night out, but relying on alcohol to get through or recover from social situations can lead to problems, and increased shyness, anxiety and agitation.

Becuase many people experience both problem drinking and social anxiety, our combined alcohol and social phobia (CASP) team are testing two treatments to help reduce drinking and anxiety.

Would the program suit me?
* Are you afraid of being judged, looking stupid or embarrassing yourself?
* Do you avoid interacting in groups, meeting new people or being the centre of attention?
* Do you drink your way to confidence? Or drink to cope with your anxiety?
* Do you need alcohol to meet people? But find yourself embarrassed in the morning?
* Is it becoming difficult to cut down or control your drinking?

Does this sound like you? The best way to find out whether you are likely to benefit from our program is to complete a short phone interview with one of our experienced staff. We are happy to answer any questions you have about our program. You can also visit our website at http://www.psy.mq.edu.au/casp for more information.

Please contact one of the CASP team members on (02) 9850 8670 or casp@psy.mq.edu.au for more information about this trial.


Treatment for Alcohol Use and Trauma - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Many people in the community drink too much. Those who have also experienced severe trauma (e.g. life threatening accident, physical or sexual assault, traffic accident, combat etc) are more likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder. When these problems occur together they affect people more severely and are unlikely to improve without treatment. At present, there are few effective treatment options for these combined problems. The purpose of this study is to determine whether existing treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder is also helpful when combined with treatment for alcohol use problems.

If you are interested in participating, you will be asked to complete an assessment followed by weekly individual treatment provided by a well-trained and supervised psychologist. The treatment, cognitive behaviour therapy, aims to reduce problems related to excessive drinking and distress associated with post-traumatic stress. It involves learning new coping skills to manage your difficulties more effectively. After completing treatment, you will be asked to attend additional follow-up assessments at 3 and 6 months. This will help us to determine whether the treatment has lasting effectiveness.

Please contact Kirsty Taylor on 9385 0179 or 0434 327 877 for more information about this trial.


Patients seeking help for their alcohol problems must be aged between 18 and 65 years, and must be willing to attend regular medical and therapy appointments.

Participation in all trials is completely free of charge.