National Addictions Awareness Week

National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW) is Nov 13-19, 2016. An initiative of the Canadian Centre for Substance Abuse (CCSA), the week provides an opportunity for the community and media to learn more about addictions, substance misuse and the valuable work of local organizations such as the Canadian Mental Health Association, Kelowna & District Branch (CMHA Kelowna).

NAAW highlights issues and solutions to help address alcohol- and other substance-related harm and provides an opportunity for Canadians to learn more about substance abuse prevention, to talk about treatment and recovery, and to bring forward solutions for change.

This year’s theme, Addiction Matters, highlights that addiction impacts all of us – individuals, families, and entire communities. Want to learn more? CMHA Kelowna offers Mental Health First aid training several times per year. Click here to learn more.

If you want to see improvements made to our systems of care, so people with substance use issues can better access the services and supports they need, please sign the #b4stage4 manifesto.

Did You Know?

While many substances can be addictive, addiction isn’t caused simply by the substances being consumed. For example, many people who use narcotics for post-operative pain relief do not become dependent on these substances.
A mental health issue, in conjunction with addiction or substance misuse is known as a concurrent disorder. Research shows that more than 50% of those who are seeking help for an addiction also have a mental illness.
Many people who experience addiction or substance misuse issues also experience stigma and discrimination, which can result in loss of self-esteem, a fear of seeking treatment, or feelings of isolation.