Pubdate: Mon, 03 Oct 2005
Source: Parklander, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2005 Hinton Parklander
Contact:  http://www.hintonparklander.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/782
Author: Jessica Kerr
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

METH CONFERENCE BRINGS HOPE AND HEALING

A conference in Edson next month is designed to help family and
friends of people involved with substance abuse. A Time for Hope and
Healing is being presented by the Hinton HOPE (Hinton Outreach and
Peer Education) Network and the Edson and District Drug Action
Committee on Oct. 15.

"We did want to have something that is more aimed at family members,"
said Tasha Allen Symon, area supervisor of the Alberta Alcohol and
Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC).

The daylong conference provides an opportunity for family and friends
to explore ways to develop connection and unconditional love, while
maintaining their own values, in the challenging relationship with a
drug addict.

"A piece of it, too, is that people have to realize they can't change
the person," Allen Symon said. "But they can change what they are doing."

The conference, which is scheduled to run from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at
the Red Brick Art Centre in Edson, is presented in three different
parts. The day will begin with motivational speaker Steve Harmer, who
incorporates magic into his sessions.

The keynote speaker of the day is Patricia Morgan, a Calgary woman who has
dealt with crystal meth addiction first hand. Morgan's presentation is
based on her book, Love Her As She Is: Lessons from a Daughter Stolen by
Addictions. The book is based on Morgan's own experiences in dealing with
her daughter's addiction to crystal methamphetamine.

The third part of the conference will feature a panel of people who
are now in recovery for their addictions.

Allen Symon said the conference will also teach those in the
relationship with a substance abuser that they must also look out for
their own health. In some cases, she said, a friend or family member
can also turn to some form of substance abuse to help them deal with
the pain and stress of the situation.

Anyone wishing to attend the conference must register by Oct. 7.
Attendance costs $20, however, if covering the cost is a problem some
spots are available free of charge to those who qualify. To register
for the conference, call 780-723-4403, or e-mail  Symon said the Hinton HOPE Network is also looking at organizing
transportation, so if getting to the conference is an issue, call
AADAC at 865-8263.

The Hinton HOPE Network was formed in February as a support group for
people dealing with a loved one who is involved with substance abuse.

So far, Allen Symon said, the group is still trying to figure out what
direction it will take.

The group, which meets at the Hinton Health Unit, is open to family
and friends dealing with a drug addict, as well as addicts who are in
recovery.

For more information on the Hinton HOPE Network, call AADAC at
865-8263. 
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