Addiction conference draws 100 to Minden

About 100 counseling, education and law enforcement professionals attended the Partnership of Community Resources annual conference on drugs on Friday.

This year's topic, "Addiction ... Losing the Ability to Walk Away," drew people from Douglas and Alpine counties, the Washoe Tribe, Carson City and even a few from Washoe County, according to partnership spokeswoman Vicky Sauer-Lamb.

About a dozen speakers touched on topics ranging from addiction and treatment issues, how addiction affects everyday life, education and the media's role in education.

"We're very pleased with the turnout," Sauer-Lamb said. "We've got the same people coming back year after year and that's great."

This is the third annual session for the partnership, which charges $100 to participate in what has become their chief fundraiser. The proceeds go to fund services that aren't covered by grants.

Douglas County Sheriff's Capt. Keith Logan, a past president of the partnership, said there aren't many people who haven't been touched by addiction in some way.

"We have to do something about addiction and we need to open ourselves to other ways to work with people."

Logan said addiction is pervasive and does not follow borders or demographic boundaries.

"Everyone knows some person with some type of addiction," he said. "If you don't, you're either very lucky or you're not paying attention. When we get ready to leave here, I will challenge everyone to bring something from the forum back with them, or else it's just talk."