Addictions in the time of crisis | Katerina Matsa | TEDxAthens

How did the crisis incresed addiction in every part of the society? From internet ang gabling addictions to alcoholism and drugs, we have to finally talk without taboos and restrictions about this major issue and find ways to fight the problem at its beginning.

Katerina Matsa, is a Psychiatrist and a former director of the Drug Dependence Treatment Unit "18 ANO", operating under the administration of the Attica Psychiatric Hospital and the Greek NHS (ESY). She is married to Savas Michail.

She is honorary president of the Scientific Association of the Attica Psychiatric Hospital & she belongs to the generation of mental health workers that fought against the brutality of the psychiatric asylum institution.

In the '80s, along with a small group of mental health workers she created "18 ANO", a drug-free dependence treatment program based on psychotherapy, art and the participation of the individuals in the social process.

Today, it counts more than 30 structures within Attica, with model programs for dependent mothers with their children, for teenagers, young women, individuals with numerous conditions.

Katerina Matsa has published 5 books and has contributed to many collective volumes dealing with mental health and dependency issues.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx