WE'RE CREATURES OF HABIT - ADDICTIONS AWARENESS

We are creatures of habit, at times guilty of silly little things we
feel compelled to do each and every day to feel safe, secure and
comforted. Those idiosyncrasies, like the need to take the same route
to work, follow the same bedtime ritual, or make endless lists very
often define who we are. What may be surprising is the compulsion we
have to act in a certain way on a daily basis bears similarity to the
trait seen in serious physical or psychological addictions to
nicotine, alcohol, drugs, food, gambling, and a variety of other obsessions.

"Addiction and its negative affects are found everywhere, whether we
are talking about a town of hundreds or a city of millions, said East
Kootenay MLA Bill Bennett. "It's the cost and consequences of
addiction that are not always apparent, but they are nonetheless
enormous in terms of individual health, relationships, career, and
personal finances. Addiction affects everyone and that's why the
Province spends more that than $1 billion annually on mental health
and addiction services."

Addiction in our province is one of the reasons Interior Health
supports National Addiction Awareness Week from November 19-25 and
efforts to bring attention to prevention, treatment and support
services. "Although research shows B.C.'s smoking rate is the lowest
in Canada, the tragedy is that 5600 BC smokers still die each year,"
said Cindy Kozak-Campbell, Acting Mental Health and Addictions
Director for East Kootenay HSA. "While nicotine use may be lower in
our province other research shows up to 200,000 British Columbians are
likely experiencing problems related to alcohol consumption, and
illegal drug use is known to be higher here than elsewhere in the country. "

Stopping or preventing addiction takes a determined effort by everyone
concerned - individuals with addictions, their families and support
networks. "Addiction issues are complicated," said Kozak-Campbell.
"There is no magic bullet that will instantly take away your craving
or compulsions."