THE team from Swan Hill’s Salvation Army are gearing up for Mental Health Week with plans to hold an alcohol and other drugs (AOD) educational forum on October 11.
Early intervention practitioner officer Meagan McGregor said a lot has changed in the way people with AOD dependence receive treatment as well as how young people are educated from a preventative model.
“AOD dependence is rated as the No. 1 stigmatised health issue in the world, according to a report from The World Health Organisation earlier this year – and if we want people to recover, we have to work on that,” she said.
“Addiction is not a choice and what research shows is there are a lot of underlying issues including trauma that drives it.
“A person caught in the cycle of addiction experiences consequences across all aspects of their life and evidence shows people do much better in recovery with support from family, friends and community rather than with blame and condemnation.”
The forum aims to provide a platform for key speakers and experts across the AOD sector to update community and the community services sector on latest treatment options.
It will also provide information on harm reduction, withdrawal and rehabilitation as well as support for family and friends.
It will also cover the subject of performance enhancing drugs that carry their own risks.
“Talking with young people is also key to setting prevention strategies in place,” Mrs McGregor said.
“Many young people will experiment with substances in their life but not necessarily develop a dependence.
“We want to make sure that young people know the risks and how to reduce the risk of harm if they do choose to partake in AOD use.
“For that reason, the forum is also particularly suited to parents and carers, so they’re equipped to have the discussion with their children.”
Mrs McGregor said the forum would be a combination of visiting experts in the field as well as local service providers.
“We hope that people gain a new or better understanding of the complexity of AOD use and learn about the supports available at a local level,” she said.
“This includes differing treatment options as well as knowing how to access them and dispelling some outdated myths.
“The forum will benefit all community including sporting groups, education providers, people working in the helping sector, parents and carers.”
To register for the free forum, visit www.eventbrite.com.au/e/408356403997 or call 0400 754 603.
A free lunch is provided and bookings are essential.
