Pubdate: Tue, 16 Apr 2002 Source: Cape Breton Post (CN NS) Copyright: 2002 Cape Breton Post Contact: http://www.capebretonpost.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/777 Author: Tanya Collier MacDonald Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) HEALTH-CARE WORKERS CAN HELP PEOPLE BATTLING ADDICITON: WORKSHOP SPEAKER A three-day workshop, aimed at providing better tools for addiction services personnel in the province, continues today at the Canadian Coast Guard College. Upward of 125 individuals are attending the event that began Monday with an address by keynote speaker Dr. Ray Baker. He is physician certified in both family medicine and addiction medicine in British Columbia. During the morning session, he touched on practices in nicotine addiction and nicotine and addiction medicine. Among the points of discussion was a recovery checklist known as CARESS. He said those recovering from substance abuse do all of the following things or a variety of them. They have non-chemical coping skills, are accountable to others, they take personal responsibility for their actions, are educated about their illness and recovery, have a social support network, and have spiritual health. Baker also touched on what addiction workers should and shouldn't do. "Always provide empathy," said Baker. When speaking with those with addictions, use open-ended questions and listen. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom