Supporting People Experiencing Overconsumption in the Modern Era

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.

The fast-paced nature of contemporary society, marked by rapid technological changes, social and economic pressures, lifestyle shifts and increased access to mood altering substances and behaviours, has given rise to new challenges for maintaining mental health and wellbeing.

The workshop will provide an overview of core generic approaches to overconsumption that can be applied to a diverse range of compulsive behaviours, in all settings, across different demographics.  It will equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to help support tāngata whai ora to consider the ‘good and not so good’ impacts of their consumption, along with effective strategies to promote and support behavioural change and increase wellbeing.

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

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

• 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.