Pubdate: Tue, 18 Nov 2014 Source: Tribune, The (CN ON) Copyright: 2014, Osprey Media Group Inc. Contact: http://www.wellandtribune.ca/letters Website: http://www.wellandtribune.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2807 Author: Fred Rinne Page: 4 ADDICTION AWARENESS WILL REQUIRE ALL OF US This is National Addictions Awareness Week. That itself marks progress in admitting there is a problem. It is up to all of us to help fight the battle. For the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, preventing and reducing harms associated with substance use and abuse by youth is a priority. "Youth 15 to 24 years of age have the highest self-reported past-year use of illicit substances compared to older Canadians, and are approximately five times more likely than adults aged 25 years and older to report harm because of drug use," says the Centre. This year the key focus-especially among young people-is the so-called opiates of choice in that demographic: alcohol, cannabis and prescription medications. Also on the radar is how the use of these impacts behaviour, particularly impaired driving. In addition to helping preserve health, initiatives in education have proved to save money. Statistics show, according to the centre, that for every dollar spent on drug and alcohol abuse prevention initiatives, between $15 to $18 is saved on the flip side. With young people the target audience, the dialogue is increasingly turning to social media. The centre is asking Canadians to join the dialogue to help create a healthier society, free of the harms of substance abuse, by following and using the hashtag #NAAWCanada to help support this year's activities and to share relevant resources over social media channels. If you don't believe the dangers of addiction are real and dire, consider these stats: The percentage of Canadians between the age of 15-24 who have experimented with drugs: 57% Average age young people have their first adult beverage: 13. Percentage of secondary school students who have admitted to binge drinking: 47% Average age of kids who first smoke marijuana: 14. It is likely that you or someone you know in your family or out has battled or does battle addiction. This week, get the discussion started and show you care. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom