Faces and Voices of Recovery UK annual conference 2016
In partnership with Chester Studies of Addiction, Recovery and Spirituality (CSARS) Group, University of Chester and Halton Borough Council.
Addiction, Recovery and Families
Friday September 9th 2016
Select Security Stadium
Lowerhouse Lane
Widnes
WA8 7DZ
Confirmed speakers include:
Professor Jim Orford
The impact of addiction problems on the family, and the development of methods, such as the 5-Step Method, for helping and supporting affected family members, has been a special focus of Jim’s research and writing. Amongst his publications are: Coping with Alcohol and Drug Problems: The Experiences of Family Members in Three Contrasting Cultures (Routledge, 2005), Addiction Dilemmas: Family Experiences in Literature and Research and their Lessons for Practice (Wiley-Blackwell, 2012), and Power, Powerlessness and Addiction (Cambridge University Press, 2013). Jim will be talking about ‘Empowering family members affected by addiction’.
Viv Evans, Chief Exec, Adfam
Adfam is the national charity working to improve life for families affected by drugs and alcohol. Adfam’s vision is that anyone affected by someone else’s drug or alcohol use will have the chance to benefit from healthy relationships, be part of a loving and supportive family and enjoy mental and physical wellbeing. Adfam’s mission is to stop drug and alcohol use from threatening and ultimately destroying family relationships and wellbeing. The organisation empowers family members and carers, supports frontline workers and influences decision-makers.
Families Anonymous
Families Anonymous is a world-wide fellowship of family members and friends affected by another’s abuse of mind-altering substances, or related behavioural problems. FA has groups, spread throughout the country, which meet regularly. Any concerned person is encouraged to attend the meetings, even if there is only a suspicion of a problem. The Fellowship is a self-help organisation with a programme based on the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions first formulated by Alcoholics Anonymous. FA was founded in 1971 by a group of families in America. The first group in this country started in London in 1980 and there are now some 50 groups in various parts of the country.
Al-Anon
Al-Anon Family Groups provide support to anyone whose life is, or has been affected by someone else’s drinking, regardless of whether that person is still drinking or not. For some of our members, the wounds still run deep, even if their loved one may no longer be a part of their lives or has died. Al-Anon Family Groups hold regular meetings where members share their own experience of living with alcoholism. Al-Anon does not offer advice or counselling, but members give each other understanding, strength and hope. The fellowship, which was founded by Louis W, wife of Bill W (co-founders of Alcoholics Anonymous) celebrates its 65th Anniversary this year in the UK and Eire.
Mary Stewart
Mary is an academic and author who has been in recovery for 45 years. Since retiring she has been giving talks in schools and local community groups on the neuroscience of addiction. Mary will introduce the theme of next year’s conference: Other Addictions in Recovery. She will describe how addiction can be seen as the result of a dysfunction of the neuro-circuits of the brain, affecting memory, emotive, and judgement centres. Whether behaviour or substance addiction is the problem, the solution lies in reprogramming the neuro-circuits. Regular involvement in a recovery programme and association with other recovering addicts significantly aids this process.
Draft Programme
9.30 – 10.00 Registration & Coffee
10.00 Welcome: Annemarie Ward, Chief Exec – FAVOR UK
10.05 Introduction: Tony Mercer, Health Improvement Manager – Public Health England
10.15 Keynote address and Q&A – Empowering family members affected by addiction: Professor Jim Orford
11.05 SMART Recovery Families and Friends Programme: Leigh Proctor, National Co-ordinator, Wales – UKSMART Recovery
11.25 – 11.55 Coffee
11.55 Title? Viv Evans, Chief Exec – Adfam
12.15 Al-Anon
12.35 Title? Sanctuary Family Support, Liverpool Maddy Vaz –
12.55 – 1.40 Lunch
1.40 Title ? Nicola Wendel, National Child Sexual Exploitation Lead – Change, Grow, Live
2.00 Families Anonymous
2.20 Panel Q & A
3.00 – 3.30 Coffee
3.30 Theme for 2017 FAVOR UK conference – Other addictions in recovery: Annemarie Ward, Chief Exec – FAVOR UK
3.40 The neuroscience of addiction: Mary Stewart – Academic and Author
4.10 Close: Tony Mercer, Health Improvement Manager – Public Health England
