WEEK HIGHLIGHTS ADDICTION ISSUES

How's life treating you? Are you comfortable with your lifestyle?? Or
do you want, or need, to make a change? Do you have an addiction, a
compulsion to act in a certain way in spite of your better judgment??
If so, you are not alone.

In B.C., it is estimated that up to 200,000 people are likely
experiencing problems as a result of alcohol consumption, another
33,000 have a dependency on illicit drugs, and 4.6 per cent of the
population are problem gamblers.

"These statistics reinforce the need to improve services to prevent,
treat and support healthy lifestyle choices," said George Abbott,
Shuswap MLA and health minister.

"We recognize what a difficult problem addictions are for many people
and for that reason we've expanded addiction treatment services in
the province.

Addiction cuts across all ages and social groups.? Initiatives such
as National Addictions Awareness Week, which runs until Saturday,
help raise public awareness of addiction issues.

"It's a particular tragedy when youth are involved and young lives
are shattered or destroyed," said Joan Campbell, director for
Okanagan mental health and addictions.?

"The Canadian Addiction Survey published by Health Canada in 2004
reveals youth, particularly young males aged 18 to 24, are more
likely to use alcohol, cannabis and illicit drugs than other
Canadians. A number of risk factors are at play in addictive
behaviour and can include high levels of stress, boredom, growing up
with a parent who is addicted, mentally health issues, or when there
is a history of physical, sexual or emotional abuse. Having limited
or no social supports can also be a factor in addictions."

Campbell said the good news is that while there is no cure, addiction
is a treatable disease.

"Addiction is not just the reliance on alcohol, or drugs, or even food.

"Addiction affects every aspect of your life - the way you think, the
way you act and your relationships. The most effective addiction
treatment involves self help, professional help and peer support."

Old habits die-hard and giving up something that has become such a
big part of your life can leave you feeling lost, alone and very
uncomfortable. Campbell said there are specific things you can do
when you need some encouragement.

Make a checklist of pros and cons. For example, under pros you may
like to socialize and go out for a drink. On the flipside going out
costs too much, you don't like the way you feel after having too many
drinks, or you can't remember what happened during the evening and
worry you may have done something to put yourself at risk.?

Seeing all the disadvantages of addiction in black and white is often
eye opening.