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"creating synergies for a drug-free world" The Twelfth Congress of The Latin-American Federation of Therapeutic Communities
For the organizers, the main challenge of such event was to combine a high-level, academic approach with a fraternal gathering all those who share the values inherent to the therapeutic community.
A Word from Elena Goti, Dianova Representative at the Congress Dear Friends and Colleagues, “The time has come to take a pause during this Twelfth Congress of Therapeutic Communities and try to draw some conclusions, while, at the same time, appreciating those moments that we have shared together during these few days. Veracruz city and Harbor gave everyone of us a warm welcome. We could enjoy the place's generous nature, sea, sun and the Mexican cuisine! Some foolhardy delegates had a bit of a surprise after trying some of the country's most famous dishes – and believe me, the flush they experienced afterwards was not due to their embarrassment! The event's organizers told us that they were going to introduce us to Veracruz, which they did through a local, archeological trip and an acoustical visit to the enchantment of Mexican music, sometimes sorrowful, sometimes cheerful, but always with a bit of humor. The congress's general theme was "Creating Synergies for a Drug Free World". So we spent hours upon hours, during which time we gave as much as we received, through the generous experience of sharing, which represents the very core of the FLACT-led events. Congress Details and Figures “More than 600 delegates from nineteen countries attended the meeting. Mexico had invited delegates from the country's 18 States, but the State of Tabasco and South Veracruz representatives could not be present due to the heavy rains the region was experiencing. But we are with them in spirit. “Three plenary sessions were organized, with 23 presentations. In addition, 25 ordinary sessions were held and 8 different workshops with a total of 119 presentations … We have been quite productive! During the Congress “The State of Veracruz Governor, Mr. Fidel Herrera Beltrán, gave us a warm welcome. He mentioned that Mexico had to face an increase in drug use and acknowledged the necessity to strengthen the cooperation between government and NGO's. “About the therapeutic community (TC) approach to addiction treatment, all participants agreed on the statement that the latter represents ‘a model capable of generating bonds, a model that makes people engage in positive behavioral changes, and that if it were not the case, it should not be considered a real TC. In addition, the participants agreed that the very purpose of a TC was to achieve the TC’s residents' self-reliance and autonomy. “Another question was raised during the congress, which is that we all know that the TC model does work, but ‘how does it work'? “‘Children’ were the main protagonists of the congress; every time the question of children was raised, we could see the participants' faces, voices and energy change. Passion was springing up, as well as a feeling of urgency. They all declared that caring for children, providing them with food and shelter, should never be considered a privilege. It is the Children’s right and, for us, our duty to provide these basic needs. “A child's life should never be a problem; it is an opportunity, a limitless possibility. We owe them respect. Our role should be to educate and teach, it should never be the role of a warden or a policeman; and that's what our speakers have demonstrated through the remarkable education and therapeutic intervention model of the TC. “Women had also a place of honor. Participants stressed how painful it is sometimes for women to ask for help, due to their much diminished personal image and low self-esteem resulting from domestic violence. Participants also emphasized the importance of the reinforcement of gender-oriented services, agreeing that we need more efficient services to better serve women's rights. Best Practices – “Speakers emphasized that Best Practices should always be closely related to professional ethics. Unfortunately, Mexico, and probably some other countries of Latin Americas, still have unethical practices, which many people are prone to abuse. We must all demand immediate restructuring of such conduct; things must change! “Speakers added the fact that best practices should never be considered static. As needs change, best practices must develop at the same pace. Maintaining their efficiency is an ongoing process. “Regarding the subject of Prevention, participants asserted how useful and efficient it is. We must engage in prevention practices in order to benefit the community and the individual. But they also declared that we should make no mistake: genuine prevention practices entail providing real opportunities, not only slogans, speeches or good-looking posters. “About Treatment, speakers recommended the establishment of holistic treatment practices, with the inclusion of many different disciplines likely to impact the many requirements of individual lives. They also stressed the need for treatment practices that address the integration objectives of a variety of individuals, and not expecting integration to be a ‘bolt from the blue’. “Regarding Dual Diagnosis, i.e. co-occurring mental illness and problematic drug use, speakers called for a better balance between regular addiction-related practices and the treatment of mental illness. Dual diagnosis must not mean no diagnosis; it is up to us to generate synergies between healthcare workers and other professionals working in the field of addiction and those committed to mental health issues. “They added that one thing which should be considered desirable and possible is the process of individual change. One should always be committed to its achievement, because it represents hope. “Last but not least I would like to mention the young people of Veracruz who have provided all participants with their support and kindness throughout the congress. They truly offered the best of themselves. Many, many thanks for your help in trying to solve every single problem that we may have. “In finalizing this report, I would like to quote one of the lecturers, a woman in this case, who gave a very simple and loving message that demonstrates that we all are on the right path, stating that ‘The therapeutic community preserves and protects. It cares and heals’. “Hope to meet you next time at the FLACT congress in 2011!” Elena Goti, M.A. |
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During November of this year The Latin American Federation of Therapeutic Communities (FLACT) held their biennial meeting, attracting participants working in the specific field of the Therapeutic Community, including addiction workers, scientists and scholars committed to addiction treatment and prevention.