The UBC Learning Circle returns on Wednesday, January 12th, 2011, with Ross Laird speaking on his work in addictions.
Addiction is the most common and the most misunderstood challenge we face. Most of us find addictions somewhere close by: in our families, in
our peers, sometimes in ourselves. Addictions are everywhere. And yet, it’s tough to know what addiction really is: a habit, a means of coping, a way of just having fun? And at what point does having fun become something else: something darker and much more difficult?
Despite the mysteries and complexities of addiction, we do know quite a bit about how it starts: in adolescence, typically, with a series of situations and events that tend to lead people toward addictive behavior. And we also know a great deal about how to stop addictions: through education, healthy relationships, mentorship, and meaningful experiences.
In this workshop we’ll discuss the matter of addiction: what it is, how to understand it, how to deal with it. We’ll talk about different kinds of addiction: drugs and alcohol, technology addictions, addictions to risk and recklessness. We’ll explore the skills and knowledge required to be safe and self-aware. This will be an open forum for discussion, debate, and learning.
About the presenter
Ross A. Laird is a best-selling author, award-winning scholar, and clinical supervisor to social service organizations in the fields of trauma, addictions, and personal development. He has worked extensively in Vancouver’s downtown Eastside and in many smaller communities throughout BC.
Ross’s website: www.rosslaird.info
Ross’s Resources: https://rosslaird.com/resources/
