Scientific Program

Conference Series Ltd invites all the participants across the globe to attend 9th International Conference on Addiction & Psychiatry Dubai, UAE.

Day 1 :

Keynote Forum

Sohail Akhtar

Waikato District Health Board, New Zealand

Keynote: Patient dropout from opioid substitution treatment

Time : 09:15-10:00

Conference Series Addiction 2018 International Conference Keynote Speaker Sohail Akhtar photo
Biography:

Sohail Akhtar has completed his Medical degree from the University of the Punjab, Pakistan. He has completed the Psychiatric Training and was then a Diplomat in Mental Health from College of Psychiatrists of South Africa. He has worked as a Senior Medical Superintendent at Polokwane/Mankweng Hospital Complex and Thabamoopo Psychiatric Hospital in South Africa. He has also completed Post Graduate Diploma in Public Management from Regenesys School of Public Management, South Africa. He has worked as a Senior Medical Officer in Psychiatry in New Zealand, completed his Post Graduate Diploma in Addiction and Co-Existing Disorders from University of Otago New Zealand. He also completed Masters in Addiction from University of Otago. He is the Senior Medical Officer in Community Alcohol and Drug Service of Waikato District Health Board, Hamilton, New Zealand. He is a Member of RANZCP vocational CPD program and Member of National Association of Opioid Treatment Providers, New Zealand and contributed in drafting the National Guidelines of Opioid Substitution Treatment.

Abstract:

Opioid Substitution Treatment (OST) is an established treatment for opioid dependence. In New Zealand, OST programs are regulated by the Ministry of Health and Methadone and Buprenorphine/Naloxone (Suboxone) are the primary medications. Retention on OST is a key indicator for stabilization of patients with opioid dependence. As yet, there have been no studies exploring the factors associated with New Zealand OST patient dropout, which is defined as discontinuation of OST by patients, against medical advice, for at least one month. Previous studies have showed that patients who drop out of treatment have a higher risk of harm to themselves by taking fatal overdoses and to society by engaging in criminal activities. Previous research has demonstrated that the effectiveness of OST is strongly correlated with patient retention. The purpose of the present research was to study dropout rates and identify factors associated with the dropout of patients from OST at the Community Alcohol and Drug Service (CADS), Hamilton, from 1st January 2013 to 30th April 2014. It was a retrospective, longitudinal, quantitative study. A retrospective clinical audit of patients on OST was conducted. There were 150 patients on OST in Hamilton under the CADS team during the period of study. Nine patients dropped out during the study period. 64 patients were randomly selected from the remaining 141 patients who remained on treatment as a comparison group and for the study sample to be approximately half of the overall population of 150 patients. Time and resources were also factors in determining the size of the sample group. File review was conducted and potential predictors of dropout were identified. 35 independent variables were selected and dropout was the dependent variable. The statistical program SPSS 22 was used to analyze the data. Fisher’s exact test was used and four variables were identified as being associated with dropout, history of intravenous drug use, (Fisher’s exact p value=0.05) history of lifetime imprisonment (Fisher’s exact p value=0.05), other medications prescribed, (Fisher’s exact p value=0.04) and opioid type prescribed during the study, i.e. Methadone or Suboxone. Patients on Suboxone dropped out more than those on methadone, (Fisher’s exact p value=0.00). The overall dropout rate was 6%, which was less than the rates of 15-85% found in previous studies. The limitations of the study were that it was retrospective and the number of dropouts was small. Furthermore, only patient factors associated with dropout were included in the study and service factors were not included. Therefore, the results of the study should be interpreted with caution. There is scope for a future study with a larger sample size and the inclusion of service factors to validate the finding.

Keynote Forum

Nicola Beer

University of Bath, UK

Keynote: Complementary approaches to food addiction & eating disorders

Time : 10:00-10:45

Conference Series Addiction 2018 International Conference Keynote Speaker Nicola Beer  photo
Biography:

Nicola Beer is the Founder of the Marriage Makeover and Pure Peace Coaching which focuses on eating peacefully. She is a co-author of 4 international best-seller books. Currently she runs an Eating Disorder Support group in Dubai. She is a UK Certified in NLP coaching, Grief and Loss Recovery, Hypnotherapy, Addiction coaching. She has also completed several courses in Transpersonal Counseling and Psychology and Emotional Psychosomatic Body Work. She has completed her BSc in Sociology from the University of Bath, UK.

Abstract:

Adopting a hollostic approach to helping with eating disorders and compulsive food behaviours can be extremely beneficial in supporting clients to break the unsatisifying cycle of binging, starving or purging. In addition to psychiatry methods there are many other forms of support that can help when it comes to food addiction, compuslive eating, bulimia and other eating disorders. Such as hypnotherapy, emotional psychosomatic bodywork, NLP coaching, group support, 12 step programs and inner child work.  These approaches can help clients to release the emotional triggers, stop obsessing about food or acting out harmful food behaviors. Enabling them to form new habits in the way they treat themselves, live their lives and utlimtately eat. In this presentation, Nicola will share some personal stories and how this type of support can complement other approaches to addictions. As well as share the single biggest factor that needs to be present to overcome any addiction.

Break: Networking and Refreshments Break with Group Photo @ 10:45-11:00
  • Addiction Medicine | Impulse Control Disorder and Addiction | Substance Abuse and Mental Illness | Anxiety and Depression | Alcoholism and Drug Addiction
Location: Dubai, UAE

Session Introduction

Sarfraz Hussain

Punjab University, Pakistan

Title: Role of spiritual therapy in motivation & rehabilitation in substance use disorders

Time : 11:00-11:30

Speaker
Biography:

Sarfraz Hussain has done his MBBS from Rawalpindi Medical College affiliated with Punjab Univeristy Lahore. He has done his Post-graduation in Psychiatry from WHO collaborating Center on Mental Health Research and Training, Rawalpindi Medical College and MCPS from College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan. He has a certificate of Specialist Psychiatry from Saudi Medical Council Riyadh. He is a live member of Pakistan Psychiatric Society since 2008. He is presently working as a Consultant Psychiatrist at Brain Center Hospital, Pakistan

Abstract:

Since many years, there is an increasing trend of substance use or drug addiction. It has been observed in most of the countries of the world. Healthcare scientists are facing new challenges as patterns of substance use are progressively becoming more complicated. Substance tolerance, dependance and addiction are all manifestations of brain changes resulting from chronic substance abuse. Repeated substance use is cause of neuro adaptations in various neuronal circuits in the brain that are involved in motivation, memory and behaviour control. In addition to the pharmacological treatment, motivation should be the focus which is unfortunately a missing dimension in the treatment, in the regimen of high relapse. Motivation is guided by the heart and the brain so there is the role of morality and spiritualism to quit substances and other drugs. There are multiple motivational factors and reasons to quit other substances. These factors may be more than one. To find out the other factors studies have shown that different motivational factors are divided into biological, psycological and social factors. The recovery from addiction is a long process that requires time, commitment, motivation and support. First step in the treatment is to decide to make a change. Studies have shown that a patients motivation has better results in the treament outcome. A person with poor motivation who would give up drugs has managed so with long term effects of positive support thus this discusssion is aimed at the role of biological basis and motivation in quitting substance use disorder. Spirit, heart and mind explain the phenomena of behaviour change. Spirit is symbolic of God, heart is a place of worldly achievement while mind is our behaviour regulator. To control our body two forces are acting on us. Devine power and devil power: divine force results in a good outcome while devil force results in a bad outcome. Examples of bad behaviours are crime, gambling, drug addictions, alcoholisms, drug traffickings and other crimes associated with it. In case of spiritual blessings, it can bring a good change, gentle behaviour and a drug free life. 

Speaker
Biography:

Ahmad Mousa Aldisi has completed RN Diploma from Rufaida College for Nursing and Midwifery. He has completed his Bachelors of Nursing from University of Jordan, Clinical Instructors Diploma and Masters in Quality Management from University of Wollongong, Dubai. He has worked as the Head of Nursing Development unit in the National Center for Mental Health in Jordan and also worked as a Lecturer at Rufaidah College for Nursing and Midwifery. He is currently working as a Specialist Nurse at The National Rehabilitation Cente (for treatment and rehabilitation of addiction patients) in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Abstract:

Total quality management (TQM) is a management approach of an organization centered on quality, based on the participation of all its members and aiming at long term success through customer satisfaction and benefits to all members of the organization and society. Nowadays, there is a growing interest in TQM in healthcare facilities. Patient satisfaction is an essential and normally utilized marker for estimating the quality in health care. Patient satisfaction influences clinical results, patient retention and medical negligence claims. It affects the auspicious, proficient and patient-centered conveyance of quality health care. Little is currently known about patients’ satisfaction with different domains of substance abuse treatment. Few studies have investigated the aspects of patient satisfaction associated with patients’ perceived treatment outcome. This presentation illustrates the importance of patient satisfaction of substance abuse clients as indicator of TQM in healthcare institutions based on a systematic review of literature, with focus on financial and clinical significance of patient overall satisfaction with treatment, taking in consideration the main variables and limitations in assessing the satisfaction of substance abuse client such as management and organizational factors, client factors, baseline drug use, treatment duration (length of stay), treatment type and many other factors.

Khurram Tanveer Sadiq

Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom

Title: Modern day addiction: Cyber technology and social media

Time : 12:00-12:30

Speaker
Biography:

Khurram Tanveer Sadiq is a Consultant Psychiatrist in General Adult Psychiatry in Manchester. His niche areas are Adult ADHD, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Psycho-oncology, Leadership, Music & Mental health and Social Media & Mental health. He was included in the 2017 publication by International Association of Health Professionals as one of the Leading Psychiatrist in UK. He has also appeared in the Summer edition of Continental Who’s Who Publication Inner Circle Executive (ICE). He is also a Key Note Speaker &blogger. He has appeared several health-related TV programs regarding the impact of Social Media on mental health. He is well published in different areas of mental health.

Abstract:

Well we live in a dynamic world of Social Media. The world is divided into two Paradoxes, Real world and Online, which is now declared a domain. We know the advantages of Social Media, how connected we are, how easy it is to communicate however what we disregard is the unknown dark realm of the Social Media with a dynamic interface which is very engaging and addictive in nature. With the expansion of Social Media and advent Of Smart phones, our universe is in our hands and just a touch away. Screen time has increased considerably, real time has decreased substantiality, there is a false perception of anonymity, closeness, proximity and security. This leads to a lot of deviant behaviours. Outdoor activities have been replaced with Gaming consoles, VR Gismos and ever engaging Social Media. Social isolation is on the rise, there has been an increase in the mental health disorders amongst children, adolescents and adults. No one could imagine that soon this cyber technology will become an addiction that changes the morphology of the brain and in turn bent on ripping apart the societal fabric.

Break: Lunch Break 12:30-13:30 @ Restaurant, Exhibitor Presentation at 13:30 - 14:00, Continued by workshop at 14:00 - 15:30

Amany Haroun El Rasheed

Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital, UAE

Title: New drugs of abuse: What clinicians need to know?

Time : 14:00-15:30

Speaker
Biography:

Amany Haroun El Rasheed was a Professor in Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine at Ain Shams University. She is currently working as a Consultant Psychiatrist at Al Amal Hospital, Ministry of Health, Dubai, UAE. She was a NIDA (National Institute of Drug Abuse) Hubert H. Humphrey Drug Abuse Research Fellow in Johns Hopkins University.

Abstract:

Drug abuse is a growing concern all over the world and over the past decade, novel drugs have emerged and have become increasingly popular. Designer drugs otherwise known as synthetic drugs-are manufactured to chemically resemble illicit drugs, but may be purchased legally because drug manufacturers constantly change the chemical structure to circumvent drug laws. In fact, designer synthetic drugs are found to be more potent and dangerous than their street drug counterparts. People who abuse designer synthetic drugs have suffered a number of negative health outcomes that include anxiety, seizures, hallucinations, loss of consciousness and significant organ damage. Recognition and treatment of new drugs of abuse pose many challenges for health care providers due to lack of quantitative reporting and the difficulty of detection in routine blood and urine analyses. Clinicians should familiarize themselves with management principles of these new agents. Therefore, the purpose of this workshop is to describe the pharmacology, clinical and adverse effects of several new classes of drugs of abuse as well as management of patients with addiction to these drugs.

Break: Continued by sessions
Speaker
Biography:

Masa Karleusa Valkanou is a Clinical Psychologist with 10 years of experience, working at The Lighthouse of Arabia, Dubai, UAE. She has completed her MSc in Psychology and Counseling from University of Sheffield. She is a Certified Systemic Family Psychotherapist enrolled in Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. Her specialization works are with adults, children and adolescents of different psychological disorders. She has gained rich clinical experience in the field of addiction working at psychiatric clinic for addiction, Lorijen Hospital, Serbia. She has worked as a Lecturer at ESB-Heriot-Watt University, the Military Academy Serbia and Centre for Talented Youth, Nikola Tesla.

Abstract:

Background & Aim: Factors determining heroin addiction treatment outcome have not been studied extensively despite the practical and theoretical significance. It is uncertain whether we are able to predict the odds of sustained heroin abstinence and affect the factors that increase the likelihood of the recovery. This study aimed to identify factors that either individually or in synergy support the sustained multiannual abstinence.

Method: In this translational ambidirectional cohort study, we evaluated two groups of heroin addicts that underwent the same therapeutic procedures with different outcomes (133 abstainers and 56 relapsers) using the non-standardized questionnaire to study: The history of addiction, motivation for the treatment, parental attitudes and control, job satisfaction, social and emotional relationships, alternative satisfactions, use of other substances during treatment and treatment characteristics. The chi square analysis was used to determine specific significant factors that act individually. The binary logistic regression provided a mathematical model of the synergistic effect of significant factors.

Result: The study found a new variable, an abstinence marker, defined by the synergistic effect of the following factors: Use of tramadol before treatment (p=0.011), non-use of Benzodiazepines (p=0.001), length of Naltrexone use (p˂0.0005), non-use of Cannabis (p=0.002), non-compulsive exercise (p=0.009) and employment and job satisfaction (p˂0.0005) during recovery.

Conclusion: This study reports a mathematical model that predicts multiannual sustained abstinence as an outcome of heroin addiction treatment.

Sahida Tabassum Mohammad

OneUp Education, UAE

Title: Early intervention for children with disability

Time : 16:00-16:30

Speaker
Biography:

Sahida Tabassum Mohammed is a Educator with 14 years of experience in UAE and India. She has worked as a Counselor, Psychologist, Educator, Teacher, Leader and SEN specialist. She has completed her Bachelor’s in Psychology, Masters in Organic Chemistry and Diploma in Psychological Counselling. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Counselling and Psychotherapy. She is a Member of American Association for Counselling and Member of International Association for Counselling, Qualified Teacher and Emirates Autism Society.

Abstract:

Early intervention is an arrangement of administrations that helps children and toddlers with formative postponements or inabilities. Early intervention centered around helping qualified children and babies learn the basic and brand-new skills that typically develop during the first three years of life. Early intervention for kids with inability is compromised of treatments and administrations. This programs or sessions aimed at promoting your child’s development. Services are the places and associations that offer these treatments. A service can give  one therapy or few kinds. Your child can get early intervention therapies and services from multiple points of view, including at home, home through video conferencing, child care and kindergarten or in a master setting. Early intervention works best when it’s focused at your child’s individual needs. For this to occur, you require a determination, which says what inability your child has. When you have a diagnosis, your kid’s specialist or health provider can recommendation which early intervention therapy or service may be best for your kid. Depending on the necessities of your family and child, early intervention may include a therapist working with your child, a specialist cooperating with you and your child or a specialist working in a gathering session with other youngsters. A pediatrician may have the capacity to state that your child is moderate in acheiving formative breakthroughs in excess of one region, for example, speech or versatility, as a result of formative postponement. At that point you can work out which early mediations will best focus on your child’s deferrals.

Break: Panel Discussion
  • Behavioural Addiction | Psychiatry and Mental Health | Child and Adolescent Psychiatry | Geriatric Psychiatry and Psychological Disorders | Alcohol and Recovery
Location: Dubai, UAE
Speaker

Chair

Sohail Aakhtar

Waikato District Health Board, New Zealand

Session Introduction

Najiha Syeda

American School of Creative Science, UAE

Title: Acceptance and commitment therapy for addiction

Time : 11:45-12:15

Speaker
Biography:

Najiha Syeda has completed her M Sc in Counselling and Psychotherapy from the Institute of Behavioural science and Management, Bachelors in Psychology from St. Francis University, India and Post Graduate Diploma in Child and Youth Counselling from Career Academy, Australia. She is a Member of American School Counselor Association (ASCA), International Association for Counselling and Affiliate Member of Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation Of Australia.

Abstract:

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) may seem confusing. This study deals with how do acceptance and commitment paired with mindfulness form an effective treatment. It also explains about the role of commitment. In the case of ACT, you are committing to facing the problem head-on. Instead of avoiding your problems, you commit to actions that will help you stop struggling against the inevitable and facilitate thriving instead. ACT is effective for a wide range of psychological disorders, but it is also effective as a life-affirming and inspirational perspective on the world. ACT can show you exactly what happens and how you can harness the power of acceptance to get the life you want. ACT in simple terms, it is a type of therapy that aims to help patients accept what is out of their control and commit to actions that can improve and enrich their lives.There are six core processes of ACT that guide patients through therapy and provide a framework for developing psychological flexibility: Acceptance, cognitive diffusion, being present, self as context, values and committed action. ACT is built on the relational frame theory, a theory that is well supported by psychological research. This theory is based on the idea that the human ability of relating is the foundation of language and cognition. We can apply mindfulness to accept our feelings and change how we react and relate to them instead of trying to avoid them. ACT Metaphors : Metaphors play a big role in acceptance and commitment therapy, as they provide clients with a simple way to understand how their feelings and thoughts influence their actions, allowing them to see how adjusting the way they think can result in extremely positive outcomes. The sailing boat metaphor, the mind bully quick sand metaphor are few common metaphors. ACT for treating disorders: While ACT, like the practice of mindfulness itself, can be applied in any individual’s life, it has also proved to be effective in treating many psychological disorders, including general anxiety disorders, chronic pain, depression, OCD, eating disorders and social anxiety. Applying ACT in Group Therapy: ACT can be applied on an individual level, but it is also effective when delivered via a treatment group. The association for contextual behavioral science acknowledges the effectiveness of group ACT treatments for anger, depression and general anxiety, social anxiety, chronic pain and for struggling adolescents. ACT apps that can help: As technology flourishes, so too does the set of treatment options available to us. As with so many other problems, issues or opportunities, there’s an app for that. The two most popular apps are described below.The Happiness Trap App and the ACT coach. ACT has the potential to produce extremely positive results, not only for those suffering from psychological disorders, but also for those suffering from the pain inherent in everyday life. With so many resources available online, it’s easier than ever to give ACT a try. 

Speaker
Biography:

Zahra Amjadi Goojgi has completed her Doctorate degree in Medicine from Islamic Azad University of Iran and Specialty degree of Psychiatry from Mashhad University of Medical Sciences.

Abstract:

Introduction: Nowadays, the association of stimulants and sleep disorders is more interested. Given the few number of studies in the current scientific literature regarding assessment of the structure of sleep in patients with dependence on amphetamines, especially after long periods of abstinence, present study is designed for the assessment.

Method: This study was conducted in 2013-2014 in Mashhad and the subjects were selected through the convenience sampling method from medium-term residential treatment centers. They were assessed through psychiatric interview whether or not meet the inclusion/exclusion criteria. The case group consisted of 12 patients whom were diagnosed as in early full remission according to DSM-IV TR criteria, were explained about how polysomnography worked and sent to sleep lab. The collected data was analyzed by SPSS. On the basis of Kolmogorov-Smirnov results, the quantitative data with normal distribution were then analyzed with t-test and the qualitative data with Chi-square test.

Result: However the mean Total Sleep Period (TSP) and Total Sleep Time (TST) were in the normal range (403.0±52.9 and 333.6±79.1 minutes, respectively), there was a significant difference between these two variables (p=0.001). There was a slight increase in Sleep Onset Latency (SOL) that was not significant (p=0.47). The participants generally, suffered poor quality of sleep, subsequent to significant decrease of Sleep Efficiency (SE) (p=0.047) and slight rise in WASO (Waking After Sleep Onset) (69.53±3.4, p=0.08). Besides, results indicated changes in sleep stages including significant rise in stages 1and 3 of non-REM sleep with a trivial fall in NREM stage 2, though the total amount of NREM sleep was not significantly changed. Evaluation of REM phase, in turn showed an increase in latency and percent of it significant. Although REM pressure which was calculated by the number of REM episodes, slightly increased.

Conclusion: Current findings shown sleep disturbances due to stimulants, within prolonged period of abstinence, could reflect the preliminary mechanisms causing neuropsychiatric disorders, although it needs further studies which consider and resolve our limitation.

Sadia Shakeel

Dow University of Health Sciences, Pakistan

Title: Abusing Prescription drugs - a global health concern: Clinical Pharmacists’ outlook

Time : 12:45-13:15

Speaker
Biography:

Dr. Sadia Shakeel obtained her M.Pharm (Pharmaceutics) in 2009 from University of Karachi, Pakistan and awarded doctorate degree in Pharmacy practice in 2017 from Jinnah University for women, Pakistan. She is a Clinical Research Certified Professional from Dow University of Health Sciences. She is currently rendering her services as a Faculty member in Dow College of Pharmacy, Dow University of Health Sciences, one of the oldest public research university located in urban metropolitan area of Karachi, Pakistan. She is a prolific researcher and author. She has authored over 70 peer-reviewed publications in international journals and several research abstracts / research posters to her credit.

Abstract:

Abuse of medicines is a global health concern with negative consequences that varies from addiction, psychosis, cardiovascular complications, and premature deaths from inadvertent overdose. In Pakistan, prescription drugs, which are misused or abused by patients, are usually acquired from pharmacies. The objective of current study was to assess the attitudes of clinical pharmacists regarding interventions towards the abuse of prescription medicines (PM) in Pakistan. This transversal study was conducted for a period of 4 months by adopting a pre validated questionnaire distributed to clinical pharmacists simultanously in different hospitals of Karachi. Descriptive statistics were used to demonstrate participants’ demographic information and their response to the questionnaire items. Pearson’s chi-squared test was executed to evaluate the association of gender, age, organization, and experience of pharmacists with their response. A p value < 0.05 was considered as significant. It was revealed that mass population 77% claimed that they had sufficient comprehension of prescription medicine abuse. About 82% perceived drug abuse as a serious health issue and 90% was well versed that the role of pharmacist was very crucial in prevention of inapropriate PM abuse. Nevertheless respondents were not self-assured that patients would follow instructions, will respond positively and would like to make needed behavior changes. Findings from this study will assist health authorities to formulate appropriate health promotion interventions to control and prevent abuse of prescription medicines. Actions directed at early intervention, capacity building, education, public health initiatives and law enforcements will hopefully curb the menace of PM abuse.

Break: Lunch Break 13:15-14:15 @ Restaurant, Continued by workshop at 14:15-15:45
Speaker
Biography:

John Roberts has completed his MA in Social Work Studies from Exeter University. He has 12 years of experience as a Cognitive and Behavioral Psychotherapist and Motivational Interviewer. He has joined the Improving Access in Psychological Therapies Teaching Team at Plymouth University. He has worked as a Lecturer at the Higher Colleges of Technology. He has managed and led primary and secondary care mental health services in UK as well as became the Director for his own independent consulting and treatment company. He has published in motivational interviewing and managed through a number of CBT research projects in a clinical setting. He retains interest in psychological aspects of chronic condition management and medically unexplained symptoms.

Vasintha Veeran is an Associate Professor in the Health Science Division in Abu Dhabi Women’s College. Dr Veeran has extensive research experience especially in the field of children and youth in all aspects of their health and social well-being. Her research experience spans international collaborations with countries such as the UK, USA, Netherlands, Germany and Ireland, in which she has held positions of Principal Investigator. Dr Veeran’s research experience also includes the successful supervision of PhD, Masters and Honours students in some of the countries mentioned above. She has served as an International Expert Consultant for the United Nations Development Program and has vast experiences in compiling and presenting reports highlighting technical, evaluative and qualitative outcomes. In addition to this, Dr Veeran has extensive scholarly publications in peer reviewed journals as well as book chapters. Dr Veeran is currently an Adjunct Professor at the Open University of Mauritius and continues to maintain an active research profile with her network of research collaborators across the globe. Dr Veeran serves as an evaluator of research proposals for the National Research Foundation, South Africa as well as a peer reviewer for a few international journals.

Abstract:

A significant factor in developing services for the hard-to-reach individual must, if it is to be successful, consider the role of culture in the social context in which it occurs. Hence, cultural contexts can be restrictive or facilitative in the way that access may be obtained to sites of substance abuse. Creative methodologies in gaining access to the hard to reach community sites as well as individuals will be highlighted in this workshop. This interactive workshop will demonstrate the use of a systematic approach (motivational interviewing) to the assessment and management of hard to reach clients with substance and alcohol problems in Community Outreach settings. This workshop will be conducted using the experiential design through participatory and reflective exercises, against the backdrop of the cultural contextual forces covering issues such as etiology, availability of drugs and regulatory structures. This workshop will help participants to learn how to apply common motivational interviewing skills with people with substance and alcohol problems. some key research applications when using motivational interviewing with this client groups will also be focussed . Experienced use of the OARS method in motivational interviewing with substance misuse. A special focus on outreach and community-based interventions supports an integrated model of intervention that seeks to include the hard to reach client in gaining access to health care systems. In the conclusion of the workshop, participants will be guided in developing goals and objectives to continue their trajectory of their own professional development needs in the specialization of motivational interviewing.

Break: Panel Discussions, Awards and Closing Ceremony