Alcohol and Illicit Drug Misuse in People with Learning Disabilities – Research, Practice and Service Development

Content
Despite a growing awareness and increase in the numbers of people
with learning disabilities who misuse alcohol and illicit drugs, there
continues to be limited recognition from policy makers, commissioners
and service providers to this fact.
Whilst prevalence may appear to be low, the impact for the individual,
their families and services can be huge, including higher risk taking
behaviour, links to offending, possible aggression, injury requiring A&E
treatment and being more vulnerable and open to abuse from others.
The aim of this event is to raise the awareness of this important issue,
understand how person centred thinking tools can be used to support
individuals and explore positive treatment and therapy interventions, as
well as the benefits of social skills training and individual education. At
the end of the event participants will have a greater understanding of
the issues that face people with learning disabilities and their families,
have examples of good practice that can be implemented locally and be
able to use tools and methods that focus on person centred support.

Who for
People with learning disabilities, family carers and supporters,
community nurses, drug and alcohol teams, anyone working in the
criminal justice system. Commissioners, community development
workers and voluntary groups.