For many people, drug use provides an escape from the mental and emotional pain or trauma they experience everyday.
And while those who struggle with substance abuse don’t set out to destroy themselves and everything in their path, it’s one of the inadvertent consequences of addiction.
To help those who are currently struggling, “National Addictions Awareness Week” is being hosted by the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and Addiction (CCSA) from Nov. 25-Dec. 1.
“It highlights issues and solutions to help address alcohol and other drug related harm,” Mayor June Caul explained during the Oct. 28 council meeting.
“It provides an opportunity for Canadians to learn more about prevention, to talk about treatment and recovery and to bring forward solutions for change.”
CCSA’s main focus this year is on stigma and the negative impact it has on people who are a battling an addiction.
The theme is “Stigma Ends with Me.”
“Stigma is a significant barrier to wellness and good health for people who use substances,” Mayor Caul said.
Stigma is described as the negative perceptions or mark of disgrace commonly associated with a particular circumstance or behaviour such as substance and addiction.
When individuals who struggle with addiction feel stigmatized, it can prevent them from admitting their substance abuse or the severity of it and accessing the treatment they need.
“With your help we want to increase understanding of the devastating stigma associated with substance use and addiction and its impact on the well being of people touched by this health issue,” Mayor Caul said.
“Leading up to this week the CCSA will be releasing a suite of [online] resources to help reduce stigma.
“These resources will support people who want to facilitate conversations and increase awareness of this terrible addictions problem that we see across the country,” she added.
The public is being asked to support National Addictions Awareness Week by using the hashtag #StigmaEndsWithMe on Instagram, Twitter and other social media platforms.
The local Substance Abuse Prevention Team is hoping to host drug use awareness and prevention session to educate district residents and highlight the issue.
For those who are currently struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, ConnexOntario provides free and confidential health service information through their 24/7 hotline at 1-866-531-2600.
The provincially-funded resource can tell people where addiction treatment services are located, how to access the services, and how long the wait is for the services to be accessed.
