The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Many People Need a 'Reality Check' on the Issue of Substance Abuse Every year, almost 10,000 Saskatchewan people use services from provincial drug and alcohol centres. Many others don't seek the help they need. Still others don't recognize the early signs of an addiction problem. Hundreds of volunteers and health workers are trying to change that, by raising awareness about the harm caused by substance abuse and gambling. People across the province are participating in Saskatchewan Addictions Awareness Week (SAAW) from November 20-26. SAAW, formerly Drug Awareness Week, offers a chance for communities to promote the prevention of substance abuse, and to take greater ownership in addressing the issue. SAAW activities are organized under the theme "Reality Check" Ð an effort to make youth and adults aware of the real facts surrounding addictions to alcohol, drugs, tobacco and problem gambling. Laurel Mackie, chair of the provincial SAAW organizing committee, says there are still many misconceptions surrounding these issues. "Our goal is to provide solid facts to educate people Ð especially young people Ð about the issues, and encourage them to choose healthy lifestyles," Mackie says. "If they are already affected by a substance abuse problem, they need to know immediately where to get help." See Page # Con't from P.# In the past five years, the number of people seeking help for alcohol and drug problems in Saskatchewan has risen 16 per cent. Most of them, almost 90 per cent, had problems with alcohol, either alone or in combination with other drugs. Mackie emphasizes that community awareness and involvement are vital to the success of SAAW. In many communities, committees work with alcohol and drug district offices and other interested agencies in developing and organizing SAAW activities. SAAW is held in conjunction with National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW), which focuses on addiction issues for all population groups across Canada. NAAW effectively mobilizes communities, and strengthens a partnership of Indian, Inuit, Metis and non-native professionals working in the area of addictions. An estimated 600,000 people participate in NAAW activities across Canada each year.
