Are you studying to be a health professional? Have you considered specialising in alcohol and other drug studies? If you are, we at CADS Auckland would really like to hear from you.

Our wonderful Vicky Clothier (CADS designated GLBT clinician) is looking for a student to mentor/supervise next year. This is an incredible opportunity for anyone who would like to spend time with an awesome clinician and develop your skills in working with addictions and Rainbow communities. Vicky’s innovative practice includes a drop-in clinic at NZPC and interagency projects to support people who are homeless.

What we need is a fabulous third year student studying AOD (alcohol and other drugs), counselling, psychology, social work or another related field, who is interested in working with GLBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, Takataapui and Fa’afafine) clients. You would need to be available to spend 2-3 days a week with Vicky at our Kingsland Unit – CADS Central. In this time you would have the opportunity to be involved with Vicky’s community clinics as well as establish your own caseload of GLBT clients. Vicky would offer specialist supervision in working with both AOD and sexual orientation or gender identity issues.

So why would you want to work in the addictions field/sector? I have worked in the addictions sector since 1986 and I have found it to be one of the more “gay friendly” and ground-breaking health fields. I think the reason for this is because people working in addictions understand the impact of stigma and discrimination and the social context of alcohol and drug misuse and the associated harms. The field tends to attract people who are interested in social justice and transforming society as well as helping individuals.

At CADS we work from a bio-psycho-social model which means we take into account a person’s physical wellbeing (this might include a genetic predisposition towards addiction), psychological factors (including the many psychological/ emotional/ mental health issues our clients present with such as depression, emotional turmoil, low self esteem etc) and social factors that impact on addiction – like being queer in a homophobic world.?The great thing about this model is that it clarifies the fact that people do not become dependent on alcohol and other drugs because they are weak willed, hedonistic, immoral or depraved. Rather, there are many factors that contribute to a person’s misuse of alcohol and other drugs, and if we understand these, we are able to work with the person to develop a realistic plan to turn around what can be a lonely downward spiral.

If the above sounds like the type of work that appeals to you, give us a call (ask for Vicky Clothier). It could be the first step in a brilliant career!

Remember if you have concerns about your own or someone else’s alcohol or other drug use, or if you’d like more information, contact CADS on 09 845 1818 or www.cads.org.nz or if you live outside Auckland contact Alcohol & Drug Helpline 0800 787 797.

| Diana Rands