BURNABY CONFERENCE TO EXPLORE NEW WAYS OF TREATING ADDICTIONS

An old theory that people turn to drug addiction after losing meaning
in their lives is being explored at an international conference this
weekend in Burnaby.

International Meaning Conference organizer Geoff Thompson said that
more psychologists are now accepting the principles of "disconnection"
with society and the need to find meaning in life as factors in addiction.

"This approach, although it is at the cutting edge, it's older. But
we're reawakening it," said Thompson, a clinical addictions counsellor
at the Maple Ridge Treatment Centre.

For example, the 12-step addiction program can help addicts find
purpose to life and it dates back to the 1930s.

"This isn't to dismiss any of the mainstream treatments, but [to use]
as an adjunct," said Thompson, noting mainstream treatment considers
addiction as a disease.

Alan Marlatt, director of the Addictive Behaviors Research Center at
the University of Washington, studies one alternative -- meditative
therapy for drug and alcohol addicts.

He said meditation is a Buddhist spiritual approach that helps addicts
recognize urges without automatically giving in to them.

"It can be very helpful, especially for people who don't accept
12-step programs," said Marlatt, a Vancouver native who thinks that
the city is probably the most creative in coming up with new treatment
strategies, like the endangered safe-injection site.

"People who have problems need to know there are many different
pathways to recovery."

Marlatt speaks tomorrow at the International Meaning Conference that
runs until Sunday.