Supporting People Experiencing Overconsumption in the Modern Era

Explore over‑consumption in the age of high‑reward dopamine activities and learn practical strategies to support behavioural change and wellbeing

Description

Aim

We are living in a time of unprecedented access to high-reward, high dopamine activities, including alcohol and other drugs (AOD), screen/technology/social media, gambling, gaming, news, shopping and pornography.  Along with social, cultural, environmental and economic insecurities, these changes have created major challenges around maintaining our day-to-day mental health and wellbeing.

This workshop provides practical, transferable skills and approaches to effectively support tāngata whai ora to make meaningful and sustainable changes to their consumption patterns across a broad range of behaviours. 

Overview

This workshop explores the neurological impacts of high‑reward, dopamine‑inducing activities in the modern era and considers how to safely initiate supportive conversations around over‑consumption. Participants will learn how to support tāngata whai ora to identify discrepancies in motivation, recognise stages and barriers to change, clarify desired areas for change, and establish healthy boundaries around consumption. The session also focuses on assisting individuals to find and maintain balance in the “age of indulgence” and provides opportunities to learn and practise a brief, structured, solution‑focused conversation using the FRAMES model.

Learning Intentions

  • Increase individual and organisational responsiveness to a broader range of overconsumption, compulsive and addictive behaviours. 

  • Understand the neurobiological processes underpinning all dopamine inducing activities and what action is required to regain balance.

  • Consider the limiting nature and accumulative toll of routine ‘numbing and suppressing’, and the serious impacts of overconsumption in the modern era.

  • Explore alternative healthy, adaptive and empowering ways of coping with contemporary chronic stresses and temptations.    

  • How to support behavioural change to help tāngata whai ora process emotions, develop resilience, and realign with their values, meaning, purpose, relationships and communities.

Who Should Attend

  • Anyone, at all levels, in all contexts, working in a helping capacity who routinely supports tāngata whaiora to address problematic compulsive / addictive behaviours

  • Those who wish to gain an up-to-date understanding of the diverse range of overconsumption behaviours in the modern era.

  • People who wish to make changes to their own consumption patterns and habits.

  • Leaders and managers who want their service to be more responsive to a broader range of compulsive / addictive behaviours.

Keeping it Real | Kia Pono te Tika

1. Working alongside tāngata whaiora

3. Working alongside whānau

4. Working within communities

5. Challenging discrimination

6. Applying law, policy and standards

Facilitated by Melvyn Johns 

MASW, B.A. (Hons), Cert. Supervision, Cert. AOD Counselling, RSW

Mel has over 25 years’ experience working in multiple mental health and addiction settings in Aotearoa New Zealand and the United Kingdom. He has held a number of diverse roles - in residential, community, custodial, detox and crisis services - within statutory, voluntary, culturally specific and the commercial sector.

In addition to clinical practice, he has experience in governance, leadership, tertiary education, project management and supervision.  His passion is to develop and deliver client-centred and recovery-focused services, built on a foundation of social justice values. 

He has facilitated a range of workshops for MHERC over several years.  Mel currently works in private practice and contracts to a number of local, national and multinational organisations, working with a broad and diverse client base. 

 

Workshop Type: Introductory | Workshop Level: Five | Catering: Refreshments provided

Terms and Conditions

  • Cancellations made up to 10 working days before a workshop will incur a $39 service fee.

  • Cancellations (or non-attendance) made 10 working days or less will not be refunded and the full workshop fee will be charged. 

  • No fee applies if you are able to find a replacement participant.

  • MHERC reserves the right to cancel a workshop at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or insufficient registrations.

  • Only one person may view a webinar session per registration.

Please read our full Terms and Conditions before registering.