Addictive disorders discriminate against no one and affect all populations and ages. The damage done by addiction can be felt in every population served by social workers, with each group and individual affected differently. Cultural competence is imperative if clinicians are to be adequately prepared to address the multiple issues. Clinicians bring their own background whether it be race, gender, sexual orientation, or life experience into a therapeutic relationship, and they need to be aware of all that the consumer is bringing. Community and a sense of belonging are not only basic needs, but determining factors in providing addiction treatment. Whether our consumers belong to a geographic community, a cultural community or one defined by occupation or sexual orientation, the clinician must be aware of the unique characteristics of his or her own background as well as the background of the consumer. This conference will seek to address these issues faced by diverse social workers in striving for cultural competence and excellence in providing addiction treatment for members of these diverse groups.
 

Suggested topics:

• Cultural influences and biases  
• Gender issues 
• Workplace issues, differing professions 
• Ethical issues
• Integrated models 
• Residential or Outpatient treatment with specific groups 
• Outpatient treatment with specific groups 
• Criminal justice system 
• Community integration 
• Self care issues for clinicians dealing with specific populations
• Counselor diversity and biases