SASKATOON – Staff from the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute staff are travelling around the province delivering presentations during addictions awareness week (SAAW).
This year, there’s an emphasis on youth.
“SAAW is really important because it helps remove the stigma by creating awareness about addictions and spreads the message of hope that many people do recover,” said Róisín Unsworth, youth coordinator with the institute.
The institute says a significant amount of brain development takes place during adolescence and illicit substances could result in chronic disease, addiction and mental health disorders.
Binge drinking rates in Saskatchewan are among the highest in Canada, according to the institute.
“We really need to be focusing our efforts on changing the culture of over-consumption of alcohol and moving towards a culture of moderation,” said Unsworth.
“There are many great supports and services throughout the province that are available.”
According to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, almost 95 per cent of youth in 2009 reported harms associated with their own alcohol and/or drug use. This was around 10 times more than adults.
SAAW takes place from Nov. 17- 21, and highlight issues and solutions while addressing the harms caused by alcohol and drugs.
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