SEMINAR WILL LOOK AT HOW DRUGS AFFECT THE BODY

In recognition of National Addictions Awareness Week, the Alberta
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council is bringing pharmacologist Dr. David
Cook to present two seminars about how drugs affect the body.

Next week, Nov. 19-25, is National Addictions Awareness Week and the
presentation will coincide with activities.

Karissa Schuler, addictions counselor with Peace River AADAC, said
Cook will speak to people about how addictions occur.

"The objective for that session ... is trying to help family and
friends understand what's happening in substance abuse," she said.

He will also provide information on what options are available to
people whose loved ones abuse drugs or alcohol.

"That's bringing it to a more personal level," she said.

There will also be a presentation for health care and social work providers.

"AADAC wanted Dr. Cook to speak to professionals so they have a
working knowledge of what makes drugs addictive and what's behind
addictive behaviors," said Schuler.

The community presentation will be held Nov. 22 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
at Peace Valley Inns.

"We have a variety of professionals that have registered from social
workers to the support workers."

AADAC offers a wide variety of programs for people with substance or
gambling addictions.

Schuler said once a person or their friends and family recognize
there is an issue. it is important to go forward with accurate information.

"The best first step is to talk to a counselor," she said. "We have a
lot of information that we can give to people to review and talk to
them about it as well."

Alberta is currently in the top 30 per cent of provinces when it
comes to drug and alcohol abuse.