Whether you don?t know how to stop shopping, forcing yourself to throw up or can?t shake the nicotine fit an upcoming conference on addictions should be able to help you.

In an effort to stem the growing incidence of obsessive compulsive disorders the Ministry of Health and Family Services has organised a multi-addictions conference. The three-day conference will take place at the end of the month at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess Hotel.

A release from the ministry said the conference will focus on helping participants to understand and thereby prevent addiction. The seminars and lectures will tackle the wide range of addictions including alcohol, nicotine, drugs, food, substance abuse, Internet and cyber sex. Eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and obesity; financial disorders such as gambling and compulsive spending will also be covered.

Workshops will focus on best practice principles that are used in recovery and treatment, how spirituality contributes to recovery from addictions; and will provide health practitioners and individuals key information to help understand the addiction process.

The conference will run from Thursday, March 31 through to Saturday, April 2. Workshops will be run by a panel of local and overseas addiction experts, including Dr. Robin Wilson PhD, Andrew Osbourne, Terry Gorski, Patrick Carnes, Dr. Kenneth Robinson, Major Alfred Wilson, Guy Wheeler and Judge Karen Freeman Wilson Ret.

Cost of the conference is $50 for all three days and includes lunch. For more information register on line at www.gov.bm or call 294-3040 or 292-9741, ext. 104.

For the Youth

The conference will also feature special workshops for teens and young people to help them better understand addictions, sexually appropriate behaviours, crime, peer pressure, gambling and self-esteem.

The youth section of the conference will take place on Friday, April 1 and be called Youth Track Agenda. It will be free.