Leading WHO expert to speak at Understanding Addiction seminar

Alcohol and drug misuse takes a huge toll on Australians from all walks of life. Alcohol itself causes 5000 deaths each year through accidents, assaults, cancer and other diseases. . Around 15 per cent of males and 12 percent of females drink at risky or high risk levels. It is also a cause of family breakdown, domestic violence and financial hardship.

However while alcohol is one of our nation’s biggest problems, other drugs are taking their toll on individuals and families. Politicians have labeled Ice a “national scourge and epidemic” but many other drugs in the community pose a problem creating addiction, dependence, mental and physical health issues and relationship breakdown.

The annual economic cost of alcohol and illicit drug misuse to Australian society is estimated at $23.7 billion. The personal cost is immeasurable.

Many people are searching for answers about addiction, struggling with addiction themselves or at a loss of what to do for a drug or alcohol dependent family member or friend.

Wesley Hospital Kogarah and Wesley Hospital Ashfield are sponsoring a free information evening in Sydney on Monday 19 October to help the community better understand the causes and treatment for addictions. It is also an ideal opportunity for emergency service workers, health and allied health professionals to gain insights.

Leading Consultant Physician in Internal Medicine and Addiction Medicine and World Health Organisation expert Professor John Saunders will be the keynote speaker discussing common addictions and addictive disorders. He will also interview a person who has a ‘lived experience’ of addiction so members of the audience will gain a first-hand understanding of addiction.

The presentations will be followed by an audience question and answer session. Attendees will also be able to meet key members of Wesley Hospital Ashfield and Kogarah and receive information about the programs they run for persons with addictions. Wesley Hospital Kogarah and Wesley Hospital Ashfield specialise in a range of mental health areas including addictions recovery, mood disorders, anxiety and depression.

The event is being held in the Crown Room, Rydges Sydney Central, 28 Albion Street, Surry Hills beginning at 6.30 pm with registration and a free buffet dinner.

Presentations and discussions will follow from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm

Bookings are essential: contact Carla Liesch (02) 9275 2853 or carla.liesch@wesleymission.org.au

Parking is available at Wilson Parking, located on the corner of Elizabeth Street and Goulburn Street.