Pubdate: Mon, 13 Nov 2006
Source: Aurora, The (CN NF)
Copyright: 2006 The Aurora
Contact:  http://www.theaurora.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3219
Author: Pam Bennett

COMBATING ADDICTION

Wellness Subcommittee Offering Full Schedule Of Events Next Week

Addictions Awareness Week is just around the corner and the planning 
committee has some wonderful events set up for this year.

Sandy Penney, Addictions Services coordinator, explained Addictions 
Awareness Week is from Nov. 19-25 and is a national event designed to 
raise awareness around alcohol, other drug use and gambling.

It also points out the positive aspects of making healthy life choices.

"We're going to bring it right back to focusing on alcohol this 
year," Ms. Penney said. "Alcohol is still the No. 1 drug of choice 
among young teens and adults. Alcohol is the drug of choice that we 
see the most referrals for here at Addictions Services and we can't 
lose sight of that."

The counsellor said when most people think of drug addiction they 
think of OxyContin, ecstasy, and crystal meth, but the fact is less 
people are abusing those drugs; alcohol is the most common drug of choice.

Ms. Penney said the planning committee will still talk about the 
other drugs during Addictions Awareness Week, but she feels it's 
important to shine a bright light on alcohol addiction.

"A lot of people don't realize the fact alcohol is even a drug," she 
stated. "It's no different than cannabis, it's no different than 
cocaine. One can still become addicted to it, it's just alcohol is 
more widely accepted in our community and in our province."

She said anyone can become addicted to alcohol or any other drug and 
she feels the best way to fight addiction is to stop it before it starts.

That's why Addictions Awareness Week will focus a lot on the schools, she said.

"This year Addictions Awareness Week is falling under the umbrella of 
the local Wellness Coalition group," Ms. Penney explained. "We have 
struck a subcommittee for Addictions Awareness Week under wellness 
and we various members involved including Community Based Policing, 
Mother's Against Drunk Driving and Mental Health."

Ms. Penney noted there will be Addictions Awareness displays at all 
the Labrador West Schools and various presentations will be held at 
A.P. Low, J.R. Smallwood and Menihek High School.

The counselor is particularly excited about an initiative slated for 
J.R.S. that MADD is sponsoring, which will have students designing 
liquor store bags depicting the dangers of drinking and driving.

The local Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation will 
distribute the bags to patrons during Addictions Awareness Week.

"They're going to be locally designed and locally distributed," she 
said. "It's a really, really exciting activity."

Cindy Soper, a clerk at Addictions Services, designed a placemat for 
Addictions Awareness Week that will be passed out to 14 different 
restaurants in Labrador West.

Ms. Penney explained there will also be various community activities 
during the week including a seniors' tea, a family skate, a quit 
smoking action group, a family bonfire, and a pool tournament at the 
Labrador West Young People's Association.

She hopes all the planned activities will help raise awareness of 
alcohol addiction and encourages all residents to take part in the activities.

"I truly believe education prevention awareness are the only line of 
defense we have against addiction," she stated emphatically. "Without 
education prevention initiatives I really don't know how big the 
problem would be. And I also believe the earlier we start getting the 
message out, the better chance we have of the children having the 
right information, so they can make healthier choices."
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman