Substance Abuse & Mental Health: Dual Diagnosis Training

Thank you for your interest in my Self-Paced 12-hour S.A.M.H.I. Advanced Dual Diagnosis Training (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Interventions). This program is designed as the next level after our 2-hour S.A.M.H.I. Chemically Speaking Two (Brief Intervention) training.

My training program is eligible for tax deduction as a work-related expense, providing individuals with an opportunity to enhance their professional development and upskill.

Participants seeking a certificate of attendance and 12 CPD points for their professional peak body (APS, ACA, AASW, CPA, PACFA, ACWA, etc.) must complete the full intensive training.

For those requiring a certificate from the Optimal Health Group, there is a nominal fee of $195, payable through the link on our website (dualdiagnosistraining.com.au). 

If you need a certificate from Optimal Health Group, please reach out to us at [email protected] to enroll and pay the difference between the promotional rate and the standard $195 fee.

The comprehensive training encompasses the latest evidence-based best practices in the field of Alcohol & Other Drugs (AOD) and Mental Health within an integrated, holistic framework. In June 2018, S.A.M.H.I. introduced its 6-module, 12-hour Dual Diagnosis Training course. This training aims to enable professionals to provide brief and early interventions for individuals grappling with substance abuse and mental health issues, as well as advanced psychotherapeutic skills. It is equivalent to the extensive 2-day advanced training conducted in person across Australia and detailed on our Dual Diagnosis Training Australian website.

S.A.M.H.I's decision to transition the Dual Diagnosis Training online is driven by the goal to expand the reach of the highly regarded 2-day advanced Dual Diagnosis Training developed and presented by George Patriki. While George and his team will continue to deliver live training under the Dual Diagnosis Training banner, the online adaptation of the S.A.M.H.I course has been intentionally made very affordable at less than 10% of the original price. We invite you to join us in addressing the growing concerns of substance abuse and co-occurring mental health issues in our communities across Australia and internationally.

Course Modules Overview

Module 1: Substance Use and Impact

• Addiction Cycle
• Alcohol and its Effects
• Implications of Drink and Drug Driving
• Tobacco's Influence
• Cannabis Effects
• Stimulants (Speed, Ice, Ecstasy, Cocaine)
• Inhalant Abuse

Module 2: Addictions and Mental Health Awareness

• Co-Occurring Disorders
• Holistic Approach to Addiction Treatment
• Identifying Underlying Needs and Issues

Module 3: Minimizing Harm and Promoting Health

• Medication-Assisted Therapies
• Integrative Holistic Models for Optimal Health

Module 4: Neuropharmacology and Brain Function

• Understanding Neuroplasticity
• Role of Neurotransmitters
• Differentiating Psychosis and Dissociation
• Exploring Psychospirituality

Module 5: Trauma and Treatment Strategies

• Addressing Guilt and Shame
• Managing Ambivalence

Module 6: Early Intervention and Support

• Stages of Behavioral Change
• Assessing Costs and Benefits of Brief Interventions

This self-paced course equips participants with the knowledge to facilitate family support groups and enhances their skills in evidence-based best practices using an integrative holistic approach.

1. Anyone who wants to learn how to deliver a brief intervention with loved ones using alcohol, ICE & other drugs
2. Advanced practitioners who want to receive updated skills in evidence base best practice from an integrative holistic approach
3. Clinicians and Counsellors that would like to earn 12 points of CPD (Continuing Professional Development) for their counselling peak body (APS, ACA, AASW, CPS, PACFA etc)

1. This class is a great eye opener. Some stories were very graphic but at the same time it is the reality we are living in this world. I would recommend this class to my coworkers, friends and family. Excellent class ~ L Torres
2. This course is very informative on how drug work on the brain function. The knowledge I'm learning is very important when working with minors who abuse illegal drugs and what they are experiencing in regards reactions and responses ~ Zenia S
3. Finding the information very informative. Love the honesty about how our society fights to create a complete work-together plan ~ Alfred C
4. This course gave me so much more information than I was expecting. I found it really useful and applicable for my role ~ S A Lennard
5. As a social worker, this course has provided some excellent insights and content that I will be able to take directly into the workplace. I am particularly excited to begin using the cost analysis which will open the door to some really robust conversations. Thanks George for taking me on this journey; I would love to attend a live class if you ever head to Victoria ~ Wendee L
6. Very insightful. Very complete. I believe it will be very helpful to my clients when i interact with them now. I have a better understanding of what might be happening ~ Huber C
7. This course was excellent. The instructor was outstanding. His knowledge and ability to educate others on the subject matter was life changing ~ H Paula
8. This is a fantastic learning experience so far. George is an engaging and highly knowledge presenter and the content is keeping me interested to keep watching the online learning modules/videos! ~ Nicola B
9. George, this entire program was very engaging and well done. You are a gift to humanity. I highly recommend it to everyone. Lord willing, it will make its way into all schools. This type of program is necessary in today’s society ~ Nancy R
10. George is an amazing speaker, very engaging and able to impart a great amount of information and easy and informative way that people can understand. Then, you can take that information and "pay it forward" to others ~ Ellen V
11. This course is an excellent match for me. I work with many youth who suffer from dual diagnosis and it is difficult to understand the affects of drugs on their mental health issues. Great course! ~ Harrington O

1. Develop the skills to deliver brief and early interventions to people struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues.
2. This course will also help people to run family support groups and receive updated skills in evidence base best practice from an integrative holistic approach.
3. Understand Cycle of Addiction
4. Understand harm associated with Alcohol, Tobacco, Cannabis & Stimulants (Speed, Ice, Ecstasy, Cocaine), Inhalants (volatile substances), Drink & Drug Driving
5. Understand Substance Abuse & Mental Health (Dual Diagnosis)
6. Understand Integrative Holistic Model
7. Understand Needs & Underlying Issues that drive addictions including Grief Cycle & Anger
8. Understand Pharmacotherapies
9. Understand Orthomolecular Science, Functional Medicine & Optimal Health
10. Understand Neuroplasticity
11. Understand Neurotransmitters
12. Understand Psychosis vs Dissociation
13. Understand Existentialism and Psychospirituality
14. Understand Trauma model & Keys to Treatment; Guilt vs Shame; Dealing with ambivalence
15. Understand Brief & Early Intervention
16. Understand Stages of Change
17. Understand Costs vs Benefits – doing a brief intervention
18. Understand Tripod of Support for the drug user to help them move forward & stay safe.

Self paced training.