'It's time to change the conversation'
'It's time to change the conversation'
13 October 2022
Salvation Army representatives were among delegates in Canberra for the inaugural #RethinkAddiction conference, which sought to elevate addiction issues on the national policy stage. Photo by Hiebl Photography
The conference and the Rethink Addiction campaign that it supports aims not only to elevate the conversation about addiction as a national policy priority issue but stresses that “it’s time to change the conversation”.
Salvation Army representatives from the Policy, Research and Social Justice Department at the conference – Jeffrey Milne and Carmel Sefian.
Held on 12-13 September, conference participants were welcomed by Rethink Addiction spokesperson and leading research in addiction studies, Professor Dan Lubman.
The Conference focused heavily on spotlighting the stories of lived and living experience speakers who shared their deeply personal stories of how stigma and discrimination led to barriers and withdrawal from seeking treatment and support, including withholding information in fear of receiving sub-standard treatment and engaging in further self-harm.
Experiences of alcohol and drug addiction shared the stage with stories of gambling harm, from both pokies and the increasing presence of online gambling.
Australian of the Year Local Hero 2022 and ‘Sober in the Country’ charity founder, Shanna Whan, led the first of the keynote speakers with her experience of addiction and the culture of alcohol use in rural Australia, highlighting the importance of ‘mates supporting mates’ and saying “it’s OK to say no” to booze.
The conference also heard about the impact of criminalisation in perpetuating stigma, and the reality of an expanded drug market, more dangerous drug supply, a growing prison population and growing waitlists for treatment.
In Australia, one in four Australians will struggle with alcohol, other drugs, or gambling in their lifetime. We also have the dubious distinction of being the biggest gamblers on a per capita basis in the world ($1,276 per person). The Salvation Army (TSA) has a long and recognised history of providing alcohol and other drug services across the country, and well as gambling harm support. In 2021 alone, The Salvation Army supported more than 34,600 people with alcohol and other drug concerns, gambling addiction and rehabilitation services.
“Addiction is one of the most stigmatised of all health conditions. The accompanying shame and stigma can result in a delay of up to 20 years from when somebody starts developing a problem with alcohol, drugs or gambling before they seek help. That is far too long, and as a consequence, many Australians and their families suffer in silence. We have to Rethink Addiction” – Professor Dan Lubman AM, Rethink Addiction Spokesperson, Executive Clinical Director – Turning Point, Professor of Addiction Studies and Services, Monash University
Our Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) services are dedicated to creating a platform and pathways for people to build their lives in meaningful and purposeful ways. Our primary purpose is to prevent and reduce harm for both individuals and the wider community by supporting the reduction or cessation of the harmful use of alcohol and other drugs.
This approach recognises that no single treatment modality works for everyone, and a range of options and initiatives should be available where evidence shows that harm can be prevented or reduced.
The Salvation Army remains supportive of the National Drug Strategy 2017-2026, respective state and territory strategies and the non-government sector in working towards practical and tangible solutions to reduce the harms that alcohol, drugs and other addictions cause and reclaiming Australia’s role as a global leader in harm reduction.
More information about the Rethink Addiction campaign is available at https://www.rethinkaddiction.org.au/
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