PARIS — Alcoholism and addiction have affected countless lives in the area. Awareness, discussion and options for treatment and recovery are key to decreasing the affects of substance abuse on families and communities.

The 17th annual Alcoholism and Addictions Conference will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at the First Congregational Church.

Featured presenters will include addiction specialist Dr. Mark Publicker, who will speak on the “Disease Concept of Alcoholism and Drug Addiction.” Matt B., having eight years of recovery under his belt, will talk about his journey through opiate addiction. Dr. Peter Leighton will present on ”Opiate Addiction: Demystifying the Story of Medication Assisted Treatment.”

District Attorney Andrew Robinson will talk on “View from the Courtroom,” and Sheriff Wayne Gallant will discuss his “View from the Cruiser.” Participants will hear from 12-step members, and Bill Lowenstein will talk about “Trauma, Addiction & Recovery.”

The event has sold out by late October the past five years. The cost is $15 and scholarships are available as needed. The fee includes food and coffee for the day.

The conference is supported by the Marj and Fred Stockwell Charitable Endowment and Healthy Oxford Hills, a project of Stephens Memorial Hospital.

FMI, register: Daphne@commongroundcounseling.org, 207-739-2644, 207-739-6222, www.healthyoxfordhills.org.