A simple explanation about the affects of alcohol and drug use on the brain will highlight a talk from Julian Keats when he visits Forster library this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Dr Keats' Understanding Addiction talk is part of the MidCoast Libraries and Greater Manning Myall Lakes Community Drug Action Team travelling drug and alcohol interactive hub which will be on display at Forster library during June.
"These talks and the hub are all about offering help and education for these serious issues, in a safe, non-threatening and informal environment," MidCoast Libraries manager, Chris Jones said.
Dr Keats will speak at Forster library on Monday, June 17 June from 10.30am-12.30pm.
He provides a simple explanation of what alcohol and drug use does to chemicals in the brain involved in reward, and how persisting changes in these chemicals can disrupt an individual's priorities and influence their behaviour, Mr Jones said.
He will examine, with the audience, the factors that lead to initial drug use, the reasons some people continue to use drugs after initial experimentation, and how the development of addiction can lead to a spiral of increasingly harmful consequences for both individuals and society.
These talks and the hub are all about offering help and education for these serious issues, in a safe, non-threatening and informal environment.
- Chris Jones
Dr Keats worked for Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services (Hunter New England Local Health District, NSW Health) from 2010 to 2018.
In 2018 he formed a limited proprietary company and now provides private bulk-billed specialist addiction medicine services to non-government organisations in Muswellbrook and Cessnock.
He has a broad range of experience which includes assessing, treating and managing addiction in patients within general hospitals and specialist addiction treatment facilities, as well as outpatients on opioid treatment programs, and providing consultation services and shared care for patients referred from primary care.
Dr Keats has special interests in the provision of harm reduction advice, management of co-occurring addiction and chronic pain, and the treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection.
"We welcome everyone from the community to attend Dr Keats' presentation and to visit the Drug and Alcohol Hub on exhibition at Forster in June."
These are free events but bookings are essential.
To book your place and for more information, head to the MidCoast Libraries events page.
Stay ahead with local news by signing up for the Great Lakes Advocate newsletter here.
