WEEK AIMED AT ADDICTION AWARENESS AND EDUCATION

The local Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) is taking
its message out into the community for National Addictions Awareness
Week Nov. 19-25. "I would just encourage (people) to stop by one of
our booths," said John Heffernan, an AADAC addictions counsellor.

A display will be set up all week at Parks West Mall, which will
include information about services offered by AADAC, as well as
information about addiction. There will be brochures aimed directly at
parents dealing with prevention and how to drug-proof children.

As well, periodically throughout the week, the Alcohol and Drug Wheel
of Misfortune will be making an appearance at the mall.

People who stop by will have the chance to spin the wheel. Each space
on the wheel is related to a specific drug/topic. The participant will
be asked a question related to that topic and prizes are available for
those who answer correctly.

Heffernan said AADAC and the Wheel of Misfortune will also be going
into Hinton's schools. It will be at Gerard Redmond Community Catholic
School on Nov. 21 and at Harry Collinge High School on Nov. 22 during
the lunch hour to give students a chance to spin the wheel. On top of
the games, AADAC will be setting up information displays for students,
teachers and parents at all Hinton schools.

In conjunction with the Hinton Drug Action Committee, AADAC will also
have information displays in some businesses and workplaces around
town.

Since 1981, communities across Canada have been organizing events to
promote addictions awareness.

In October of 1987, Jake Epp, then minister of Health and Welfare
Canada, proclaimed the third week of November each year as Drug
Awareness Week or National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW).

For more information about the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Commission or National Addictions Awareness Week.