Occupational therapy students from a Scottish university have taken part in an initiative to highlight the role occupational therapists have to play in delivering the Scottish Government's drug strategy.

The two fourth year students from Robert Gordon University (RGU), Lucy McGregor and Claire Watt, showcased their work at the What's Your Story? - Building on the Recovery Momentum conference.

Stephanie Morrison, occupational therapy lecturer at RGU said in a statement: "The training that the students receive at the university equips them with the skills and knowledge to respond to the aims of The Road to Recovery strategy.

"The students have reflected their understanding of policy drivers and occupational therapy evidence based practice in the work they will present at the recovery conference in relation to issues around drug addiction and recovery from an occupational therapy perspective."   

The event was aimed at people who used or have used services including family members and carers, front line staff, managers and service designers.

Those attending the conference were able to share their experiences and stories of recovery.

There was also the opportunity for people to take part in workshops on story telling, creative writing, drama and the use of graphics. Attendees also had the chance to take advantage of some alternative therapies.

Ms Watt said: "Occupational therapy enables people to achieve health, well being and life satisfaction through their everyday activities known as occupations.

"These occupations are disrupted and change when people experience addiction. My work looks at how a person with a drug addiction can be enabled to recovery by teaching them the skills to adapt to and to cope with day-to-day life."

Ms McGregor added: "The strategy stresses that assessment and recovery plans must be holistic and based on sound evidence based practice; occupational therapists use a holistic approach focusing on mind, body and spirit and the environment to consider a person's occupational needs. We understand how employment, education and access to training and voluntary work can be used to promote long term stability, another key plank of the strategy.  

 "My work has been influenced by a Scottish drugs forum event where I had the opportunity to hear about the experience of people recovering from addictions, as well as the continuing challenges for these individuals."