From November 17-21, 2014, the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute will join the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA) to mark National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW), and Saskatchewan Addictions Awareness Week (SAAW). This year, the emphasis is on youth substance abuse prevention.
Led nationally by CCSA, SAAW highlights issues and solutions to help address alcohol and other drug-related harms. It provides an opportunity to learn more about substance abuse prevention, to talk about treatment and recovery, and to bring forward solutions for change.
"Preventing youth from misusing alcohol and other drugs is a priority for the Saskatchewan Preven-tion Institute," said Róisín Unsworth, Youth Action for Prevention Coordinator.
Youth 15 to 24 years old have the highest self-reported past-year use of illicit substances compared to other Canadians. Alcohol remains the substance with the most health, legal, and social harms. In Saskatchewan, binge drinking rates are among the highest in Canada. "We really need to be focusing our efforts on changing the culture of over-consumption of alcohol, and moving towards a culture of moderation among all age groups, not just youth", said Unsworth.
A substantial amount of change and growth-including significant brain growth and development-takes place during the adolescent years. Substance use and abuse during this critical time can have impacts that persist long after the high has worn off, including chronic disease, addiction, and mental health disorders.
"SAAW is really important because it helps remove the stigma by creating awareness about addictions and spreads the message of hope that many people do recover. The younger a person is when they access services and break that pattern, the better. There are many great supports and services throughout the province that are available", explained Unsworth. These services are highlighted on the Government of Saskatchewan treatment services directory website: http://www.health.gov.sk.ca/treatment-services-directory
Saskatchewan Prevention Institute staff are traveling throughout Saskatchewan during SAAW delivering presentations and sharing resources. You can also join the dialogue over social media by following @SKPrevention1- Saskatchewan Prevention Institute and nationally by using the hashtag #NAAWCanada.
For more information regarding the Institute, please go to their website: http://www.skprevention.ca/ or call 306-651-4300.
