Pubdate: Wed, 20 Nov 2002 Source: St. Paul Journal, The (CN AB) Copyright: 2002 - St. Paul Journal Contact: http://www.spjournal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2368 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?135 (Drug Education) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) NAAW RAISES AWARENESS OF ADDICTIONS Nov. 17 to 23 is National Addictions Awareness Week. What began as a provincial drug awareness campaign in Nova Scotia in 1980 grew to a national awareness week in 1985. When considering some of the facts related to addictions, it's not surprising that this year, the focus is on communities working together to prevent addictions early in life, with children. The facts, from Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (ADDAC) are: - - In 1998 - 99, there were 4,132 calls to the 1-800 Alberta Gam-bling Help line with 53 per cent concerning VLT gambling. - - In Alberta in 1992, substance abuse cost more than $1.6 billion, or $613 per person. Alcohol abuse accounted for $749 million, tobacco use was estimated at $728 million, and illegal drug use accounted for $135 million. - - In 1999, 12,274 Albertans were charged with impaired driving. Over the past decade, Alberta has had one of the highest rates of impaired driving among all provinces and territories. - - During 1998, 2,960 adolescents were admitted to treatment facilities run by AADAC and its funded agencies. - - Ecstacy (MDMA) can produce mild intoxication, a sense of pleasure, and euphoria. Users may feel full of energy and confidence. As well, ecstacy may cause sweating, increased blood pressure and heart rate, nausea, grinding of teeth and jaw pain, anxiety attacks, blurred vision and vomiting. Other negative effects could last for weeks and could include depression, confusion, panic, insomnia and convulsions. - - Per capita consumption of alcohol for Albertans 15 years or older decreased from 9.8 litres of absolute alcohol in 1989-90 to 8.7 litres in 1998-99. (The equivalent is 512 bottles of beer.) - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D