Pubdate: Wed, 26 Nov 2014
Source: Winnipeg Sun (CN MB)
Copyright: 2014 Canoe Limited Partnership
Contact: http://www.winnipegsun.com/letter-to-editor
Website: http://www.winnipegsun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/503

FACING UP TO ADDICTION

Canadians recognize a problem that has and continues to plague our
society and stifle our potential, not to mention negatively impact our
health: Addictions.

National Addictions Awareness Week just passed by. That unto itself
marks progress we have made by admitting that there is a problem and
it is up to all of us to help fight the battle -especially in young
people at habit-building peaks in their lives.

According to the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, preventing and
reducing harms associated with substance use and abuse by our youth is
a priority.

"A substantial amount of change and growth including significant brain
growth and development -takes place during youth. Additionally, youth
15-24 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 to
concentrate on the socalled opiates of choice in that demographic -
alcohol, cannabis and prescription medication. Also on the radar is
how the use of these impacts external behaviour, particularly impaired
driving.

In addition to helping preserve health, these initiatives in education
have also proved to save money.

Statistics show, according to the Centre, that for every dollar spent
on drug and alcohol abuse prevention initiatives, between $15-$18 is
saved on the flipside.

Information online, via Facebook pages and opening dialogue via
Twitter means there are even more ways to start the discussion and to
get involved.

The Centre is asking Canadians to join the dialogue to help create a
healthier society, free of the harms of substance abuse, by  and using the hashtag #NAAWCanada to help support this
year's activities.

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 is 57; Average age young people have their
first adult beverage is 13; percentage of high school students who
have admitted to binge drinking is 47; Average age of kids who first
smoke marijuana is 14.

It is likely that you or someone you know in your family or out has
battled or does battle addiction.

Get the discussion started and show you care.
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MAP posted-by: Matt