What is harm reduction (minimization)?-   The International Harm Reduction Association (IHRA) defines harm minimization as the policies, programs and practices that aim to reduce the harms associated with the use of psychoactive drugs in people unable or unwilling to stop. This focuses on the prevention of harm, rather than on the prevention of the drug use itself and focusses on people who continue to use drugs (Stone & Shirley-Beavan, 2018).  Some examples of common harm reduction practices are-   Installing seat belts in vehicles   Prov ..read more

Veterans First: Compassionate Mental Health Practice in Australia At Enlighten Mental Health, we take immense pride in being a veteran owned and operated mental health practice in Australia. We understand the unique challenges that veterans face and the importance of providing them with specialised support. With our compassionate approach and inclusive environment, we prioritize the well-being of veterans, ensuring they receive the care they deserve. In this blog, we invite you to learn more about our practice and how we are dedicated to helping veterans on their path to healing and recovery ..read more

The Power of Evidence-Based Therapy: Your Path to Healing and Growth Introduction: In our journey through life, we all face challenges that can weigh us down and impact our mental well-being. It's important to remember that you are not alone in this struggle. Seeking help is a courageous step towards a brighter future, and evidence-based therapy can be the key to unlocking your potential for healing and growth. In this article, we will explore the benefits of evidence-based therapy and shed light on the valuable support it can provide. 1. Validated Techniques: Evidence-based therapy is grounde ..read more

On ANZAC Day 2023, we honour the courageous men and women who have served in the Australian Defence Force, and we remember the battles they have fought to protect our nation. The ADF has been involved in numerous conflicts throughout history, and each one has demonstrated the bravery and selflessness of our troops. From the Boer War to the recent withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, the ADF has been at the forefront of defending our nation. In World War I, Australian troops fought in battles such as Gallipoli, the Somme, and the Battle of Fromelles. In World War II, they fought in campaigns ..read more

Psychedelic Integration and Harm Reduction: Psychedelics have been used by humans for thousands of years, often for spiritual and healing purposes. Today, psychedelics are being studied as a potential treatment for a range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. While the benefits of psychedelic-assisted therapy are becoming more widely known, it's important to remember that these substances can also be unpredictable and potentially harmful, especially when used in an unsupervised or non-clinical setting. This is why harm reduction and int ..read more

In this blog post we will discuss the authorised prescriber scheme with regard to psychedelics. Do you remember a few years ago when cannabis became more accessible? Well, you couldn’t just go to your local GP and get a cannabis or CBD oil script. You need to go to an authorised prescriber. This means medical practitioners will need to meet certain criteria in order to become an authorised prescriber. It will be the same with psychedelics (MDMA and psilocybin) from the 1st of July 2023. In order for controlled substances to be supplied in Australia, they must be listed on the Australian Regist ..read more

On 3 February 2023, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) announced the rescheduling of certain psychedelic substances – MDMA and psilocybin - will, from 1 July 2023, be regulated as controlled drugs. Did you know that Australia is now the first country to regulate psychedelic substances as medicines on a national level?Let’s break down what this means and get into the details. The TGA has approved the use of MDMA and psilocybin for patients with specific mental health conditions under specific circumstances. The regulatory change means that from 1 July 2023, approved psychiatrists can pr ..read more