STUDENTS LAUNCH FACES OF ADDICTION WEBSITE

Iproject aims to bring wider public awareness to substance abuse and
addiction issues.

Third and fourth year nursing students at Vancouver Island University
hope to raise awareness about substance abuse and increase compassion
toward people with addictions.

The students, part of a VIU student-led action group called Faces of
Addiction, will unveil a new website - http://FacesOfAddiction.ca - at
a student research symposium today (April 1).

"Our website will be a useful community resource for anyone seeking
information about substance abuse and addictions," said Guillaume
Jacques. "We want to promote public education and awareness to reduce
prejudice and misunderstandings towards people with
addictions."

The website will include a detailed listing of psychologists,
counsellors, treatment centres and other agencies that support people
with addictions and their families. The site will also include a
discussion forum and links to videos, documentaries and other research
by VIU nursing students.

"There are many myths concerning people with addictions," said
Jacques. "Society is quick to make judgments. However, we must look at
the context within which a person has become addicted. Usually they
are dealing with physical or emotional pain, often stemming from
childhood. They need compassion and understanding."

Jacques said research shows that since 2004 there has been an increase
in the number of online searches related to addiction.

"That's why creating this website and getting it up and running is a
critical part of our work on the Faces of Addiction group this
semester," he said.

Faces of Addiction is a community project that forms part of nursing
courses taught by professors Stephanie Buckingham and Maggie Kennedy.

The group was started by VIU nursing students three years ago. It
evolved into a permanent student-led group with a mission to
facilitate community awareness regarding addiction, while improving
access to services and resources for individuals with addiction issues.

The nursing student community and societal research symposium is today
(April 1) from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Malaspina Theatre building
at VIU.

In addition to the Faces of Addiction website launch, third year
students will present their work on different community projects they
have been involved with this semester. Topics include: health
promotion in public schools, alcohol and drug awareness, mental health
and homelessness, food security, and other determinants of health.