The opportunity for a day of recovery increases high risk drinking behaviours and related harm. Significant trends in alcohol related harms have also been noted in the context of some major sporting and cultural events in Melbourne. This research will be showcased at Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre's symposium on Friday 13 August, alongside many other current research findings. The event will include speaker presentations and a Q&A panel discussing 'Perspectives, proposals and possibilities'.

The event provides the opportunity to hear from and talk to experts from the drug, alcohol and mental health sector, including clinicians, researchers and those involved in developing policy.

“This is a great opportunity to discuss recent trends in alcohol consumption, including the effects on children and the community,” said Dan Lubman, Turning Point‟s Director.

"Our senior researchers will discuss the use of ambulance hospital data and the new strategies used to support communities with alcohol and drug related harm," said Dan.

Key experts presenting on the Q&A panel, who will discuss issues related to future directions for alcohol and drug policy, include:

Professor Robin Room – Director, AER Centre for Alcohol Policy Research and Professor of Alcohol Policy Research, School of Population Health, University of Melbourne.

Pier De Carlo - Director, Policy Planning and Strategy Branch, Mental Health, Drugs and Regions Division, Department of Health, Victoria

Simon Ruth - President, Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA) and Program Manager, PenDAP, Peninsula Drug and Alcohol Program

Detective Superintendent Brett Guerin - Executive Management Team, Crime Department, Victoria Police and Deputy Chair, Intergovernmental Committee on Drugs

Liz Weir - Lecturer, General Education, Physical Education, Health and Wellbeing, Australian Catholic University

Regina Brindle/Miriam Clarke - Manager, Association of Participating Service Users (APSU)

Event details

Friday 13 August 2010
9.00am – 3.30pm
VicHealth, Ground Floor, 15-31 Pelham St Carlton South

To submit a question relating to alcohol and other drugs for panel discussion, email info@turningpoint.org.au

To register for the Symposium, go to www.turningpoint.org.au and follow the links.

Dr Dan Lubman, Turning Point Director and Professor of Addiction Studies and Services at Monash University will be available for interviews on the day by request.
Media contact: Ashlea Milner, Eastern Health Communications & Community Relations, on ph 9895 4879 or 0439 371 084.

About Turning Point Alcohol & Drug Centre

Turning Point (established 1994 and based in the Melbourne suburb of Fitzroy) is a national organisation that provides leadership to the Victorian and national alcohol and drug sector. It promotes the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities living with, and affected by, alcohol, other drug-related harms and gambling. Turning Point provides treatment and support, education, training and research services, including telephone and online counselling.

About Eastern Health

Eastern Health is one of Victoria's largest public health services and provides a range of acute, emergency, elective, sub-acute, palliative care, mental health, drug and alcohol, residential care and community health services to a diverse population, operating from 25 sites.