A and D workers gather for national conference 26 August 2002 26 August 2002
<BR>Three hundred alcohol and drug workers from around the country will be meeting in Nelson from 29-31 August to look at the most up to date information on how best to help people with alcohol and drug problems.<br><br>The conference which is being supported by the Alcohol Advisory Council covers a wide range of issues and includes speakers from both New Zealand and overseas.<br><br>ALAC Chief Executive Dr Mike MacAvoy says it is an important event on the Council's calendar and it is very pleasing to have such a high level of interest in this year's conference.<br><br>"Bringing people in the field together is most valuable for learning, but also to share ideas and see where we can all work together and complement each other. More and more, we are understanding the importance of tailoring alcohol and drug services to suit individuals' and communities' own needs, and this provides an opportunity to get a better picture of what resources and expertise we have available.<br><br>"Strategi
Three hundred alcohol and drug workers from around the country will be meeting in Nelson from 29-31 August to look at the most up to date information on how best to help people with alcohol and drug problems.
The conference which is being supported by the Alcohol Advisory Council covers a wide range of issues and includes speakers from both New Zealand and overseas.
ALAC Chief Executive Dr Mike MacAvoy says it is an important event on the Council's calendar and it is very pleasing to have such a high level of interest in this year's conference.
"Bringing people in the field together is most valuable for learning, but also to share ideas and see where we can all work together and complement each other. More and more, we are understanding the importance of tailoring alcohol and drug services to suit individuals' and communities' own needs, and this provides an opportunity to get a better picture of what resources and expertise we have available.
"Strategies to ensure robust, accessible and appropriate services are available must then be put in place," says Dr MacAvoy. "We will push hard to see this happen."
At the conference, Dr Nick Seivewright from the UK who has a doctorate in the field of personality disorders will speak on the practical management of Bezodiazepine misuse and dependence. Professor John Saunders from Queensland will speak on the long and short term effectiveness of brief interventions for hazardous alcohol use.
Among the New Zealand speakers who will address the conference is Professor Mason Durie, Professor of Mäori Research and Development at Massey University will speak on a comprehensive approach to alcohol misuse. Around 28 workshops are offered at the conference.
