A TEAM of mental health and substance abuse experts is coming together this week to help the community discuss the growing impact on regional towns and rural areas of the spreading methamphetamine or ice epidemic.
No longer a hidden problem in NSW, the drug is cause for concern in many places across the State.
To help affected residents, the Friday Forum on this website tomorrow, March 6, from the new time of noon to 1pm, will discuss the impact of alcohol and other drugs on communities.
The good news is there are things you can do about it if you or a family member or friend have fallen victim to the drug's grasp.
You may have been affected in other ways, such as being a victim of theft or violence.
An expert panel will be on hand to offer helpful advice and tips to deal with the issues that arise from drug and alcohol abuse, such as the emotional, physical and monetary toll on loved ones.
The panel includes:
- Dr Craig Sadler is an addiction medicine staff specialist at the Calvary Mater Hospital at Newcastle and a director withdrawal services for Hunter and New England Local Health District.
- Sid Barone has been the Riverina Regional Alcohol and Other Drugs Program co-ordinator at Griffith Aboriginal Medical Service for seven years.
- David Moles is a drug and alcohol specialist worker in Parkes and has a Bachelor Social Science in psychology.
- Michelle Warn, who has been in the field for 20 years, is the program manager at the Murdi Paaki Drug and Alcohol Network and Lyndon Community Outreach, working in the region of Broken Hill, Wilcannia, Bourke, Walgett, Menindee, Coonamble, Coomealla, Brewarrina and Cobar.
The Friday Forum will help people learn coping mechanisms and ways to reach out for help.
It is a joint initiative of The Land and the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program.
You can ask questions on the day or submit your questions ahead of time.
If you don't feel comfortable joining the discussion on the day, you can still follow the conversation, tomorrow, from noon to 1pm.
