INTRODUCTION FROM THE CONFERENCE CHAIR
The first Idaho Conference on Alcohol and Drug Dependency convened in June of 1985 at Boise State University. It was presented by the Governor’s Commission on Alcohol Awareness and Training. There are several individuals actively involved in the field today who participated in that first conference. It was the dream of the founding committee members to establish a unique education, training and networking experience for Idaho’s chemical addiction treatment professionals that would be held annually. The conference in 2009 marks the 25th year of realizing that dream. Please join us at the reception held on the first night of the conference to reflect over the years on this event and the value it contributes to all of us.
We meet at this 25th Anniversary Celebration in the midst of challenging times. It seems that we are surrounded by gray and stormy clouds; still we optimistically continue to seek the silver lining. The difficulties we may experience strengthen our resolve, providing us with the opportunity to help our neighbors and support family and friends. During these times we need to rely on our personal ethics and values, and draw upon our personal spiritual foundations of hope and inspiration. As we do this, those we serve will have a role model for hope.
Over the last year we have all reached out to share resources and maintain our standard of education of what has historically and nationally been recognized as ‘the best of the best.’ We extend our heart-felt “thank you” to all our speakers who recognized the budget constraints that we faced this year, and responded with generosity. Boise State University has won our special appreciation for hosting our conference all these years!
The ICADD Planning Committee and Foundation welcome you to this 25th anniversary celebration, and salute all that is best in you. May we continue to rely on one another-that is the best of the best.
Joan M. Sheehan, Chair
ICADD Planning Committee
AA & NA MEETING INFORMATION
Once again the conference is featuring open 12-step meetings on Wednesday and Thursday mornings to emphasize the importance of this widely available recovery support system and to provide opportunities for conference attendees to experience this powerful fellowship.
AL-ANON MEETING INFORMATION
Wednesday evening will feature an open meeting. For over 50 years, Al-Anon has been offering hope and help to families and friends of alcoholics. It is estimated that each alcoholic affects the lives of at least four other people. No matter what relationship you have with an alcoholic, whether they are still drinking or not, all who have been affected by someone else’s drinking can find solutions that lead to serenity in the Al-Anon fellowship.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Here’s your chance to have your opinion heard at the top. ICADD is sponsoring a meeting between substance abuse providers and some of the most influential policy makers in the state - Idaho lawmakers. ICADD is continuing to promote a dialog between providers and legislators in addressing issues facing the area of substance use disorders (SUD). This is an opportunity to discuss your concerns regarding the current system, trends you are seeing in your agency, hopes you have for the future of the field and to acknowledge their efforts in supporting SUD treatment for the people of Idaho. You’ll be able to hear firsthand from the policy makers about the challenges they face as they set a course for the state on this important issue.