HIGH DRUG USE CONCERNS HEALTH AUTHORITY

British Columbians are the highest users of cannabis and other illicit drugs
in Canada.

Compared with the national average of 44.5 per cent, lifetime use of
cannabis in B.C. is 52.1 per cent. British Columbians also report the
highest rate of lifetime harms to physical health from drug use.

"We know that the major effect of drug use is on physical health," said Pat
Townsley, manager of addiction services with the Interior Health Authority.

"Substance abuse is now recognized as a chronic illness that requires
medical treatment and support."

Highlights of the Canadian Addictions Survey, the first national survey of
alcohol and drug use in Canada in a decade, were released late last year.
They provide a detailed picture of how Canadians aged 15 years and older use
alcohol, cannabis and other drugs, and the impact of that use on their
physical, mental and social well-being.

While B.C. scores high in drug use, the good news is that B.C. is at or
below the Canadian average for alcohol use in most categories. Townsley said
the total cost of problem substance use is staggering.

The last study in B.C., in 1992, estimated this cost at $2.3 billion.
Alcohol and drugs accounted for 52 per cent of this cost, with tobacco
contributing the remaining 48 per cent.

"One myth is that addiction is a bad habit," adds Townsley.

"In fact, addiction is a chronic and life-threatening illness."