This conference will attract delegates from across NSW, the broader Australian alcohol and other drug treatment sector and other health and human services. Showcasing interventions designed to improve outcomes for clients, this event will inform with new ideas, engage with the evidence base and provide networking opportunities.
International keynote
Dr Karen Urbanoski, assistant professor in public health and social policy at the University of Victoria, scientist with the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research
Keynotes
- Paul Barry, journalist and presenter of ABC TV’s Media Watch
- Dr Stephen Bright, psychologist, and senior lecturer of addiction at Edith Cowan University
- Jenny Valentish, journalist and author of ‘Woman of Substances: A journey into addiction and treatment’
- Felicity (Flic) Ryan—a Wadi Wadi woman, accredited trainer specialising in training in cultural awareness and competency, Aboriginal health and employment and child protection
- Daryl Chow, psychologist, trainer and author of ‘The First Kiss: Undoing the intake model and igniting first sessions psychotherapy’
- Rodney Vlais, consultant, policy advisor, researcher and trainer in perpetrator interventions and perpetrator intervention systems
Panel discussion
First do no harm: Alcohol and other drugs, stigma and the media
The media plays a critical role in framing the public debate on AOD. It has a strong influence on how the community perceives AOD and the people who use them. Unfortunately, reporting of AOD issues often contains misinformation, perpetuating unnecessary moral panic and stigma. Such stigma limits people accessing healthcare services, and by internalising this stigma, people experiencing issues with their drug use are more likely to feel marginalised from society which can exacerbate their use of drugs and any related issues. This expert panel led by Paul Barry with Jenny Valentish, Dr Bright, Dr Urbanoski and NADA members will explore problems with the way the media depict AOD and discuss practical ways for working with the media.