Symposium

Purpose: To create dialogue and discussion around how drugs/alcohol impact on the lives of the person using and those around them; including the children who are parented by them and the people who love them.

Panel 1: How Addictions Affect Children
Key Note Speaker: Dr. Bruce Alexander
Moderator: Bernadine Fox
11am – 1.00pm

The morning panel will focus attention on the needs of children whose parents are substance dependent; including identifying the risks involved for these children, specifying their special needs that arise out of their parent’s addiction, drawing attention to the obstacles faced in getting those needs met, and brainstorming potential solutions for next steps. The
panel will include professionals who work in the field of drug and alcohol addiction and have knowledge that pertains to the impact a parent’s addiction has on their child, along with individuals who are experiencing this impact on a day-to-day level.
(See attached press release for the art exhibit related to this panel: Spoilage.)

Bruce Alexander is a psychologist and Professor Emeritus at Simon Fraser University, where he has worked since 1970. His primary research interest
has been the psychology of addiction. He is best known in the UK for the “Rat Park” experiments, which helped to demonstrate the falsity of the
outworn belief that simple exposure to narcotic drugs can cause addiction. In Canada, he has been well known as a critic of the War on Drugs for decades. His most recent work has been on the causes of the
current worldwide proliferation of addiction, not only to drugs, but to a great variety of other habits and pursuits. Exploring this topic has required that he venture far beyond his training in psychology, particularly into the fields of history and anthropology. Author of, “The Globalization of
Addiction: A Study in the Poverty of Spirit.”
Sharrie Dahl: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Erica Woodin: Assistant Professor, Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences UVic – Victoria Edward Kruk: Associate Professor, The University of British Columbia, School of Social Work and Family Studies
Neringa Kubiliene: MsD, Ph.D. (Candidate), UBC, School of Social Work. Sarah Payne: Coordinator, Sheway, A Community Program for Women and Children

1.00 – 2.00 Lunch Break
Panel 2: How Addictions Affect Other Relationships
Moderators: Julie Parrell and Shannon Rayne
2pm – 4pm

The afternoon panel discusses issues around adult relationships and the affect of drug and alcohol addiction on them. The voice of the person abusing drugs/alcohol will be heard, creating a dialogue
between both vantage points within the dynamic of a close, personal relationship. The discussion addresses problems that can arise in the connections made between the adult using and their loved ones, offering solutions on recovery for both parties who become enmeshed in the addiction process. The panel
emphasizes various alternative approaches to recovery from addictive patterning, including holistic, spiritual modes like Shamanic healing, energy work, artistic practice and meditation.(See attached press release for the art exhibit related to this panel:

Re/Dis/Covery)
Dr. Amy Salmon: Clinical Assistant Professor, School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, UBC Point Grey. Bob Krzyzewski: West Coast Mental Health Network, Addictions

Counselor, and Family Systems Counselor with focus on holistic therapies including, Energy Healing, reflexology, shiatsu influenced bodywork, and
Quantum Healing Touch. Reverend Shaman John-Luke Edwards, MA, PhD: Ordained shaman of The Wolven Path, which is a rebirth of an ancient Celtic/Druidic form of shamanism.

EVENING WORKSHOP
BC Mental Health and Addictions Research Network/
Community Based Research Hub “TAKING IT TO THE STREETS”

7 – 9.30 pm @ Gallery Gachet
In the evening, the BC Mental Health and Addictions Research Network/Community Based Research Hub will be holding an exciting community event, “Taking It To The Streets.” This event aims to connect members of the public with those involved in community-based research (CBR) and to stimulate conversation about the meaning of CBR, its value
in mental health and addictions research, and how community members might become involved in CBR initiatives.The event will be moderated by Dr. Elana Brief from the Women’s Health Research Network and will include short talks and discussion with panel members including Victoria Maxwell, Dr. Erin Michalak, Dr. Elana Brief and Dr. Amy Salmon.