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20 August 2009
Langton Centre Celebrates 50 years of dedicated service
On 28 August 2009 the Langton Centre celebrates 50 years of continuous
operation as a leading alcohol and drug treatment, training and research
facility - after first opening its doors on 28 August 1959.
The centre will be hosting an open day on Saturday 29 August 2009 for
local community, former clients and staff who have supported the centre
over the past 50 years.
“Since 1959 there has been great change in the understanding and
treatment of addiction. One thing that has remained constant is the high
number of people we treat with alcohol addiction,” Jennifer Holmes,
Acting Centre Manager said today.
“Over sixty percent of people who visit the Langton Centre ambulatory
care service, which provides group and individual counselling, assessment
and detoxification services, will be for alcohol related issues.
Alcohol addiction impacts the lives of many Australians. Each year in
Australia, approximately 3,100 people die as a result of excessive
alcohol consumption and around 72,000 people are hospitalised.
In NSW, alcohol was the most common principal drug of concern for which
treatment was sought, accounting for 43% of closed treatment episodes in
2005–06.
“The Langton Centre specialises in addiction treatment and research
and is a specialist medical training facility for Addiction Medicine.
Many Langton clinicians participate in the education and training of
other professionals across Australia,” said Jennifer Holmes.
“The Langton Centre has pioneered trials in pharmacotherapy treatments
for opiate, cannabis and amphetamine dependence.
“With advances in pharmaceuticals, combined with counselling programs a
number of people with addictions don’t have to come into the centre every day,
improving their rehabilitation and return to everyday life,” said Jennifer
Holmes.
“Staff now and those who have shaped the centre over the past 50 years,
are strongly committed to improving the care of people with addiction issues.
“Our practice is informed by the philosophy of harm minimisation we do not offer
a one-size fits all prescription but treatment that best addresses an individual’s
situation.
“Many people seek help from the Langton Centre via our phone service,
individuals or their family are helped with answers to questions about addiction,
they are provided with referrals to other services, or make an appointment with
our experts for further support,” said Jennifer Holmes.
“We welcome the local community, former clients and staff to our open day,
see our facilities and talk to staff about how we operate today.
“Our thanks also go to the local community and many local organisations that
have supported the important work undertaken at the Langton Centre.
“A special thank you also to the Lions Club, of Redfern Waterloo, for running
the BBQ for staff and visitors at the Open Day,” said Jennifer Holmes.
Media enquiries: Selina O'Connor, 9382 8226, 0421 618 793
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