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.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom