Coimbra Alcohology Unit - Thematic Training Cycles in Alcohology

On 14 May, the first session of the year of the 6th Thematic Training Cycle in Alcohology was held in the auditorium of the Coimbra Alcohology Unit, under the theme "The stigma associated with mental illness and disorders".

alcohol use disorders". It was attended by 105 participants.

The guest speaker was Carolina Cabaços, a doctor specialising in Psychiatry, lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Coimbra and researcher in the field of stigma in mental health.

The complexity of the phenomenon of stigma, its impact at various levels - personal, family, clinical and social - and the urgency of structural measures to combat it, especially when associated with alcohol use disorders, were highlighted in her speech.

The health professionals, community intervention technicians, students and researchers present were able to reflect on clinical practices, institutional attitudes and deep-rooted beliefs that contribute to the marginalisation of people with mental illness and especially alcohol use disorders.

The ensuing debate demonstrated the high level of interest in the topic. The evaluations collected at the end of the session recognised the relevance of the topic and the quality of the conference, and underlined the fundamental role of these trainings in promoting a more ethical, empathetic and scientific evidence-based approach.

The Thematic Training Cycle in Alcohology of this Local Intervention Unit of ICAD, I.P. will continue on 24 September with Inês Homem de Melo, who will address the topic "ADHD and Addictions sit down at the table to talk".