Understanding Behavioural Addiction and How to Sustain Change

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

It can be challenging to maintain our day-to-day mental health and wellbeing in an environment of unprecedented access to high-reward, high-dopamine activities, from alcohol and other drugs to screens, social media, gambling, gaming, and more. In this workshop you’ll learn practical, transferable skills to effectively support tāngata whai ora to make meaningful and sustainable changes to consumption patterns across a broad range of behaviours, helping them protect and strengthen their own health and wellbeing. 

• Learn how to increase individual and organisational responsiveness to a range of overconsumption, compulsive, and addictive behaviours.

• Understanding the neurobiological processes underpinning all dopamine inducing activities.

• Explore the limiting nature and accumulative toll of routine ‘numbing and suppressing’.

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

• Learn how to support tāngata whai ora in behavioural change.

Everyone who supports others with their health and wellbeing, including counsellors, social workers, health practitioners, and those working in addiction and mental health services.

Facilitator Mel Johns MASW, B.A. (Hons), Cert. Supervision, Cert. AOD Counselling, RSW
Mel has over 20 years’ experience working in the mental health and addictions sector. He has a comprehensive knowledge of assessment processes, therapeutic interventions, and risk-management. View full profile here.

“Mel is an excellent facilitator, so much good information shared. There were also helpful handouts and resources” - Occupational Therapist

1. Working alongside tāngata whaiora  >

3. Working alongside whānau  >

4. Working within communities  >

5. Challenging discrimination  >

6. Applying law, policy and standards  >

By registering online, you agree to our Terms and Conditions.

• MHERC may reschedule or cancel a workshop due to unforeseen circumstances or insufficient registrations. If this occurs, you may transfer to another date/workshop, receive a credit, or request a refund.
• Substitutions are free if you arrange a replacement participant.
• Cancellations more than 10 working days before a workshop will incur a $39 service fee; alternatively, we can transfer you to another date/workshop at no charge.
• Cancellations within 10 working days (or non-attendance) are non-refundable and charged in full. Transfers may be approved for extenuating circumstances and incur a $39 fee.