Pubdate: Thu, 01 Apr 2010 Source: Nanaimo News Bulletin (CN BC) Copyright: 2010, BC Newspaper Group Contact: http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/948 STUDENTS LAUNCH FACES OF ADDICTION WEBSITE Iproject aims to bring wider public awareness to substance abuse and addiction issues. Third and fourth year nursing students at Vancouver Island University hope to raise awareness about substance abuse and increase compassion toward people with addictions. The students, part of a VIU student-led action group called Faces of Addiction, will unveil a new website - http://FacesOfAddiction.ca - at a student research symposium today (April 1). "Our website will be a useful community resource for anyone seeking information about substance abuse and addictions," said Guillaume Jacques. "We want to promote public education and awareness to reduce prejudice and misunderstandings towards people with addictions." The website will include a detailed listing of psychologists, counsellors, treatment centres and other agencies that support people with addictions and their families. The site will also include a discussion forum and links to videos, documentaries and other research by VIU nursing students. "There are many myths concerning people with addictions," said Jacques. "Society is quick to make judgments. However, we must look at the context within which a person has become addicted. Usually they are dealing with physical or emotional pain, often stemming from childhood. They need compassion and understanding." Jacques said research shows that since 2004 there has been an increase in the number of online searches related to addiction. "That's why creating this website and getting it up and running is a critical part of our work on the Faces of Addiction group this semester," he said. Faces of Addiction is a community project that forms part of nursing courses taught by professors Stephanie Buckingham and Maggie Kennedy. The group was started by VIU nursing students three years ago. It evolved into a permanent student-led group with a mission to facilitate community awareness regarding addiction, while improving access to services and resources for individuals with addiction issues. The nursing student community and societal research symposium is today (April 1) from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Malaspina Theatre building at VIU. In addition to the Faces of Addiction website launch, third year students will present their work on different community projects they have been involved with this semester. Topics include: health promotion in public schools, alcohol and drug awareness, mental health and homelessness, food security, and other determinants of health. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D