Department of Psychology
About the Social Anxiety & Alcohol Treatment Program
What does treatment involve?
Our research is aimed at testing two different types of treatment for people with both social anxiety and drinking problems. This research will contribute important information to help improve the care of people with drinking problems and social anxiety. All treatment is conducted by qualified psychologists who have received further specialist training at our clinic in the treatment of social phobia and problem drinking.
Both treatments involve 10 individual sessions of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and you will learn practical skills and strategies to help manage problem areas and improve your quality of life. CBT has demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment of these problems. The skills we will cover include:
- Understanding how to approach high risk situations by setting realistic goals
- Identifying and modifying unhelpful thought patterns
- Learning practical skills to manage your cravings
- Understanding how your drinking and social anxiety interact
- Examining the beliefs that maintain your low self confidence
- Identifying and improving relationship issues with family/friends
- Enhancing life satisfaction by beginning to engage in activities that anxiety has stopped you from attending or enjoying
You will also have a consultation with one of our medical specialists who will examine your overall health and arrange a blood sample to measure your liver function. This doctor will also determine whether you would benefit form a medication called Revia or naltrexone which helps some people to reduce or stop drinking alcohol.
Who is it for?
The treatment trial is for people who experience both social anxiety and harmful drinking. According to NHMRC guidelines, harmful drinking is considered 29 standard drinks of alcohol or more per week or more for men, and 14 standard drinks per week or more for women.
You can find out more about social anxiety and alcohol problems by downloading our fact sheets.
How do I know if the program would suit me?
The best way to find out if you would benefit from the program is to call (02) 9850 8670 and speak to one of our experienced staff. They can also answer any questions you have about the project. You can also take our online SELF-TEST, which will ask about both social anxiety and alcohol use, and give you feedback based on your responses.
How much does it cost?
This project is support by NH&MRC research funding, which means that we can offer all assessment interviews and treatment at no cost to you.
Where do I go for treatment?
Treatment and assessment sessions will be conducted at various locations around Sydney. At present, we have sites at Macquarie University in North Ryde, and Royal Prince Alfred hospital in Camperdown.
What is required of me?
This research aims to improve the understanding and treatment of social anxiety and problem drinking. To help with this important goal, we ask every participant in our program to donate some of their time to helping us with this research. This involves completing an interview and some questionnaires before and after your treatment. We will also check in with you 3 and 6 months after your treatment is completed to determine whether the gains you made during treatment have been maintained. You will be reimbursed a small sum at each of these follow ups to compensate you for your time and travel costs. All of the information and personal details gathered in the course of the study are completely confidential. Only CASP staff will have access to your details, and you will not be individually identified in any publication of the results.
Is the research ethical?
The ethical aspects of this study have been approved by the Macquarie University Ethics Review Committee (Human Research).
If you have any complaints or reservations about any ethical aspect of your participation in this research, you may contact the Ethics Review Committee through the Director, Research Ethics (telephone 9850 7854; email ethics@mq.edu.au). Any complaint you make will be treated in confidence and investigated, and you will be informed of the outcome.
Can I pull out of the research?
Yes. You are free to withdraw from the research and to discontinue participation in the program at any time without having to give a reason and without prejudicing your relationship with Macquarie University or the Emotional Health Clinic.
Browse our website to find out more: