ADDICTIONS WEEK KICKS OFF

Various groups are collaborating to promote awareness during Addictions
Awareness Week Nov. 14-20.

"Our government is working with health authorities and provincial
addictions organizations to develop targeted and effective programs for
individuals most at risk," Brenda Locke, the minister of state for Mental
Health and Addiction Services.

The highest health costs come from tobacco and alcohol addictions, she said.

Research, however has shown that B.C. has the lowest smoking rate in the
country, said a press release from the provincial government. B.C. also has
the lowest number of young smokers.

Alcohol and marijuana consumption has slightly decreased in the past five
years, stated a survey by McCreary Society, a Vancouver company. Youth are
also waiting longer to try alcohol, stated the study.

"B.C. is making real and measurable progress through our tobacco strategy
and our addictions prevention treatment services," said Locke. A framework
Every Door is the Right Door: A British Columbia Planning Framework to
Address Problematic Substance Use and Addiction - introduced by the
province in June - will assist health authorities and community groups in
developing a continuum of addictions services.

The program focuses on services for addicts and their families promoting
health and based on individual needs.

Another government strategy, released in August, Crystal Meth and Other
Amphetamines: an Integrated B.C. Strategy combined resources of six
provincial ministries, six health authorities, police and the courts.

It is focused on the prevention and reduction of use and production.

"All of us - government, professionals, communities, individuals and
families, need to continue to work to address the significant health and
social impacts of problematic substance use and addictions," said Locke.

Needle exchange programs are in place in every B.C. health authority, said
the release.

Residents can access harm reduction supplies from 120 B.C. locations.

Detox, residential and outpatient addictions services are also available,
as well as a methadone treatment program that serves 8,000 British
Columbians, said the release.