The modern list of addictions stretches far beyond recognised battles with substance abuse. Behavioural issues are causing increasing problems, from online gambling and gaming to a growing need for self-gratification through social media.
All of these excesses lead to lasting mental and physical health problems, and Flinders University researchers across multiple research disciplines – including psychology, health sciences, nursing, anthropology, public health and social work – are identifying core issues that can help resolve addiction issues.
Growing concern about gambling in Australia – estimated to be the highest in the world per capita, with gambling losses estimated at $25 billion a year – has been amplified by the rise of online gambling.
Easy digital access has amplified the reach and severity of gambling addiction, and attached to the digital addiction dilemma is the rising problem of excessive gaming, which is estimated to affect more than 300,000 Australians’ health and mental wellbeing, social relationships, as well as school and work engagement and productivity.
How early do problems with such addictions show? It’s younger than you may think – and it’s an escalating problem that is being addressed by Associate Professor Daniel King, whose research has informed the World Health Organisation to officially recognise gaming disorder as a disease in 2019.
“Digital media has many benefits in our lives, but there are a significant number of people who are at risk or in trouble with technology addictions,” says Associate Professor King. “The rapid pace at which digital technologies evolve means that there are new issues arising all the time, and many technologies affect the mental health of teenagers.”
Flinders is leading research that targets young problem gamers, to improve their long-term health outcomes, and design effective interventions for individuals and families affected by gaming-related problems.
Also at risk are teenagers absorbed with images promoted by social media influencers. Flinders is home of the Embrace Impact Lab, a new health and wellbeing research initiative to help young Australians and their parents tackle body image issues, supporting a national campaign led by 2023 Australian of the Year, Taryn Brumfitt.
Associate Professor Ivanka Prichard is leading research that aims to promote positive body image messages to more than one million Australian children through educational activities and events in schools, sports clubs and the wider community.
“It’s a more pressing issue than people imagine,” says Associate Professor Prichard. “Research shows that body image is closely linked to a person’s health and wellbeing. Our work will help educate people how to use social media feeds more wisely, to accept positive images and deny access to negative influences. It’s too easy at the moment for people to be negatively affected, and that needs to be changed.”
Flinders’ expertise in addictions research is underlined by housing Australia’s National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction since 1992, which continues to drive crucial research into:
The Flinders team is driving one of Australia’s largest public health campaigns, to raise awareness about the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This research has revealed worrying trends, including the inflated harms of risky drinking among women, with more than 300,000 Australian women now regularly binge drinking, consuming 11 or more standard drinks in one sitting at least once a month.
Flinders also stands at the forefront of alcohol and drug recovery solutions. In the Northern Territory, the Circle of Support program – a free peer education and recovery program for families and friends of individuals who experience alcohol and drug-related issues – has been particularly successful. “Participants reported learning strategies to support their recovery, including ways to support their own wellbeing and to practice self-care,” explains Flinders researcher Dr Noemi Tari-Keresztes.
Flinders also stands at the forefront of solutions for recovery from mental health, alcohol and other drugs use issues, gambling and related challenges. In the Northern Territory, Recovery Together (a free peer education and recovery program for individuals who experience these issues) and the Circles of Support program (for their families and friends) offered by the NT Lived Experience Network have been particularly successful.
Solutions to escalating addiction problems require pursuing bold new directions in research – and Flinders researchers are providing the fundamental foundations on which innovative and effective solutions are being developed.
- Associate Professor Daniel King
Sturt Rd, Bedford Park
South Australia 5042
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