General Chit Chat

Hey all,

I am a researcher at Macquarie University. Lately we've been doing some research in our psychology department with people who may be starting to feel like their drinking’s getting the better of them.  Working in psychology we understand how important it can be to relax and let your hair down with your mates, but for some people there are times when it feels like that can’t happen without a drink.

The reason I’m posting on your website is in the hope of getting the attention of anyone who feels they can’t be social without drinking. Maybe it’s you, maybe it’s someone you know, maybe it’s the person posting after you – it’s not always obvious and for people experiencing it, it can be tough.

Our research clinic in North Ryde is trying to learn more about how we can help people who are having trouble with the amount or how often they’re drinking, and who experience a lot of anxiety when in social situations. At the moment we’re doing this by running a clinical trial to help people develop practical skills and strategies to cope with their anxiety, so they are able to get out and do the things they want to do with their life, without relying on alcohol.

Our treatments are based on cognitive behavioural therapy, and so far our results have been very promising! Research shows us that after treatment, people attain a reduction in their drinking and experience fewer symptoms of social anxiety (e.g. panicky feelings, shaking, blushing, sweating, mind blanks, dwelling on negative thoughts). Our clients often report feeling more self confident and happier in their own skin.

Our treatment programs are supported by our research funding, so we are able to offer them at very low cost to you. Even if our current clinical trial doesn’t suit your needs, Macquarie University’s anxiety clinic can offer other treatments for low or no cost.

If you want to find out more about our programs, you can visit our website: http://www.psy.mq.edu.au/casp/ for the social anxiety and drinking trial, or http://www.psy.mq.edu.au/CEH/muaru.html for our Emotional Health clinic.
Phone us on 9850 8711, or email me or another of our team members at casp@psy.mq.edu.au. I’ll also be hanging around here for a little bit if you want to post comments or questions here.

Wishing you all the best!

K