Topic: Workforce Development and Infrastructure
Author: Forum Administrator | Posted: 31 Jul 2003 |
How can we adequately prepare drug and alcohol workers and others who work with the victims of alcohol abuse?
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Topic: Re: Workforce Development and Infrastructure
Author: Christa Bidgood | Posted: 25 Aug 2003 |
To learn about alcoholism and addiction for the diseases that they are. Gain as much information do research study study study the answers will come. Al-anon is the greatest world renowned organisation there is - contact them or contact me for literature and resources.
The Australian Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence offers all the information you need about alcohilsm and drug dependence. Nothing can work until the alcohol and drug has been removed. Alcohol and drugs taint the alcohlic and addicts mind resisting help and at the same time making out we can do what you suggest or we will do what you suggest, the whole time thinking how can we get away from here for a drink or a drug. Urines are essential because I will lie to you about everything and cover it up and because of your own good will and nature I will abuse you and use you -
I am an alcoholic and addict and until I am free from alcohol and drugs I cannot respond to anything honestly or sincerely. That is my truth. Christa
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Topic: Re: Workforce Development and Infrastructure
Author: Bob Boss-Walker | Posted: 27 Aug 2003 |
As the first person seen by most people with an alcohol problem the GP is in a critical place in terms of assessment and treatment. Much recent research has provided new information and tools for the GP to use in practice. There are a number of issues related to GPs being educated in these new strategies etc.
Divisions of General Practice are ideally placed to provide the necessary training and support for GPs if appropriately funded at both state and local levels. Up to 30/6/2003 the NSW Alliance of Divisions (state peak body) was funded to provide a co-ordinating role however this funding has not been extended to the current financial year. It is important that this be refunded as the Alliance was able to bring together a lot of information and pass this on to local Divisions as well as providing state wide training etc.
A second issue is that it must be realised that the GP education process is an ongoing one and not something that can just happen overnight. Funding must reflect this by demonstrating a commitment to the long term thus allowing Division’s to plan and implement quality education programs that can year by year build on previous gains. Ongoing funding also allows Division’s to retain a current knowledge base that GPs can access in an ongoing way. If information held by Division’s becomes out of date it is useless to patient and GP alike and does not encourage confidence in the provider.
In short good mechanisms exist for upskilling GPs, the issue is for there to be a commitment to ongoing funding.
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Topic: Re: Workforce Development and Infrastructure
Author: Kate | Posted: 29 Aug 2003 |
Would it be possible for people training in the alcohol field to attend a few family support group meetings so they know a little about the services available and can refer the families worried about someone's drinking to the right support group?
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