Professor Lubman leads a team of approximately 170 specialist alcohol and drug staff
including researchers, clinicians, educators/trainers, counsellors and administration staff.

Professor Lubman, who previously held senior appointments at Orygen Youth Health
Research Centre, says he is honoured and excited about his new role at Turning Point.

“Alcohol and drug use are highly prevalent in our community and are associated with
substantial health and social costs,” said Professor Lubman.

“There is a growing recognition that a coordinated, cross-sectoral approach is essential if we are to effectively address the impact of alcohol and drugs within our community – Turning Point, as a leader within the alcohol and drug field, is well placed to help government develop and implement the necessary strategies, both within Victoria and nationally.”

As a psychiatrist and addiction medicine specialist, Professor Lubman has extensive
experience in clinical practice and research, having worked in the field both in the UK and Australia for more than 15 years. Professor Lubman is highly regarded for his knowledge and experience working across various treatment settings, including primary care, general hospital, drug treatment and mental health services. His commitment to research, which focuses on understanding pathways into addiction, as well as developing interventions that target these disorders, is recognised by his peers and the broader community.

“Turning Point holds a unique position in Victoria, recognised both nationally and internationally for its innovation, leadership and advocacy in the treatment and prevention of drug and alcohol related illness and related impacts on the community,” said Professor Lubman.

“This is an exciting time for Turning Point following the amalgamation with Eastern Health and Monash University. This partnership will allow us to enhance our services and research capacity, so that we can develop more effective approaches to the treatment and prevention of drug and alcohol related harm within our community.”

Professor Lubman continues to work in clinical practice, has published more than 100 peerreviewed scientific papers and book chapters, and his affiliations include: Chair of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists’ Section of Addiction Psychiatry and advisory board memberships with the Addiction Neuroscience Network Australia, the National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre and the National Drug Research Institute.

Professor Lubman’s joint appointment at Turning Point and Monash University became effective 7 April 2010.

Biography on Professor Dan Lubman
Professor Dan Lubman is Director of Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre and Professor of Addiction Studies and Services at Monash University. He is Chair of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists’ Section of Addiction Psychiatry, as well as an advisory board member of Addiction Neuroscience Network Australia, the National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre and the National Drug Research Institute. Previously Professor Lubman worked at the Orygen Youth Health Research Centre, where he was a consultant psychiatrist, Head of the Substance Use Research & Recovery Focused (SURRF) Program and Associate Professor, Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne.

Professor Lubman’s research focuses on investigating substance use and co-morbidity in youth. This includes a number of pharmacological and psychological treatment trials in psychosis and depression, as well as psychophysiological, neuropsychological and neuroimaging studies examining the neurobiology of addiction. He has published more than 100 peer-reviewed scientific papers and book chapters. A particular research interest is exploring the impact of substance use on adolescent brain development.

About Turning Point Alcohol & Drug Centre
Turning Point (established 1995 and based in the Melbourne suburb of Fitzroy) is a national organisation that provides leadership to the Victorian and national alcohol and drug sector. It promotes the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities living with, and affected by, alcohol, other drug-related harms and gambling. Turning Point provides treatment and support, education, training and research services, including telephone and online counselling.

About Eastern Health
Eastern Health is one of Victoria’s largest public health services and provides a range of acute, emergency, elective, sub-acute, palliative care, mental health, drug and alcohol, residential care and community health services to a diverse population. Operating across 25 locations, its larger sites include Angliss Hospital, Box Hill Hospital, Healesville & District Hospital, Maroondah Hospital, Peter James Centre, Wantirna Health, Yarra Valley Community Health and Yarra Ranges Health. Eastern Health has an active education and research focus and strong affiliations with some of Australia’s top universities and educational institutions.

Note to media
Professor Dan Lubman is available to speak to media on any alcohol and drug-related topics.

For interviews, call Eastern Health Communications & Community Relations on ph (03) 9895 3245/4879/3243 OR if calling outside business hours call ph (03) 9895 3333 and ask to be put through to the oncall media contact.

Media contact: Christine Elmer, Eastern Health Communications & Community
Relations, on ph 9895 3245.