A briefcase containing assorted drugs and paraphernalia will be used in a workshop to teach parents, those working with young people and health professionals about drug and alcohol abuse this month.

The controversial drug and alcohol workshop will be held on Saturday, November 24 . Conceived by psychotherapist Jaki Bedingham of Awake Asleep and In Between (AAAIB) in St Austell, the fun and informative course has been designed to dispel myths and teach people to recognise the signs of drug and alcohol addiction and abuse.

The drugs box discussed on the day is identical to that used by police in drug awareness training. It contains everything from heroin to methadone, LSD, cannabis, magic mushrooms, prescription drugs and the packaging such as 'wraps', as well as syringes and tools associated with drug taking.

Past workshops have been attended by parents, youth workers and nurses who want better understanding of street drug culture. Jaki Bedingham, from AAAIB and Lyn Meyer are psychotherapists with 30 years combined experience working with people with drug and alcohol dependency and their families.

Jaki claims to have a fresh approach to drugs and alcohol. She said: "I'm not an advocate of drugs as I've worked with some of the hardest cases in the region but we know drugs are part of our culture so as controversial as this sounds, we want to make sure people are taking them in the safest way possible.

"We know increasing numbers of people are struggling with drugs and alcohol but there are ways we can help".

Jaki has also been awarded an MBE for her charity work. She is unafraid to talk to young people on a level they can understand. She admitted: "In the past I've rolled a cigarette and sat in a den with a lad to try and communicate with him at his level. He was in such a desperate situation and others had found it almost impossible to talk to him. Eventually he sought help, perhaps as a result of my approach."

Jaki is keen to remind people in the community that although some people are most alarmed by heroin use, it is not the biggest killer in the UK. Alcohol is involved in 80% of domestic violence incidents according to AAAIB, who are keen to raise awareness of the issue.

AAAIB also signpost people to existing drug and alcohol services in the region such as CADA and The Freshfield Service.

Imogen Holt from The Freshfield Service said: "Users, family members and affected others can contact us, in confidence, for information, advice and therapeutic counseling for free on our free phone number 0500 241952.

Jaki added: "Identifying the type of drug being taken is the first step. During the AAAIB Drugs and Alcohol Abuse workshop we talk about the effects of stimulants and depressants, and the behaviour associated with them. This is done in a relaxed and supportive environment. We have a quiz, brainstorming and discuss treatment methods such as the 'revolving door' technique".

A certificate of attendance is given for completing the one day workshop which is suitable for parents, carers, health care professionals, youth workers and teachers. The day costs £60 and includes a healthy breakfast and buffet lunch. Places are limited so please book with AAAIB on 01726 814582 or email admin@aaaib.co.uk.