Mindframe launch guidelines for communicating about alcohol and other drugs

Today Mindframe is launching the evidence-informed Mindframe for Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) guidelines. The project aims to positively influence the quality of media reporting on AOD-related issues, improve community attitudes towards people living with issues related to AOD use and increase help-seeking behaviour.

Mindframe has been commissioned by the Australian Government Department of Health to investigate, develop and disseminate guidelines for the reporting and portrayal of AOD in the Australian media. The launch, which will be held at the State Library of Victoria and marks the beginning of the dissemination of these guidelines.

Australian media are highly influential and play a considerable role in shaping the views of the public. At the same time, the attitudes and beliefs of the public can have a significant impact on individuals who use AOD. The media therefore has an opportunity to support prevention, early intervention and treatment efforts for people using AOD and those experiencing problems with use.

Everymind, Acting Program Manager Sara Bartlett said today’s launch is just the first stage of this exciting project.

“The guidelines aim to reduce stigma associated with alcohol and other drugs and increase help-seeking behaviour for people living with issues related to AOD use and their families,

“We are grateful to be able to provide this next level of support and to continue to work closely with the media and other stakeholders” Sara says.

Everymind would like to acknowledge the Mindframe for AOD Advisory Group for supporting the development of Mindframe for AOD as well as members of other Mindframe advisory groups (media, mental health and university education), the Australian Government Department of Health, and our project partner the University of Newcastle (UoN).

Jack Nagle, founder of REAL DRUG TALK and Mindframe Advisory Group member, says “If we can change the way alcohol and other drugs are reported in the media, we have the potential to change countless lives. Let’s allow the truth to get in the way of a good story.”

Everymind is looking forward to continuing to work with the media and other stakeholders to implement the Mindframe for Alcohol and Other Drugs guidelines within Australia.

To view the guidelines and learn more about Mindframe for Alcohol and Other Drugs please visit:

https://mindframe.org.au/alcohol-other-drugs/communicating-about-alcohol-other-drugs/mindframe-guidelines