I HELP DRUG-ADDICTED KIDS FOR A GOOD REASON

Editor:

People often ask me why I got into helping people with addictions.

It all started on a Christmas Eve many years ago. I was living in a remote
community and became involved in delivering toys to kids who would not
otherwise get much for Christmas. Because I'm a big guy, I was the one in
the red suit and beard. Door-to-door we went, travelling by snowmobile.
Gifts and hampers were pulled behind in a sleigh.

I would walk up to the door and knock, flanked by my "elves," Fred from the
co-op and Mark from the freight company. When the door opened I would let
out the trademark laugh and begin handing out the presents. We had lists of
names and addresses from local service organizations so the gifts were all
personalized.

I remember one home in particular. There was an adult party going on and a
lot of people were drinking. They seemed to be having a good time and
welcomed us in. A young boy maybe ten or eleven ran up to the door. He was
so excited and so grateful for the gift. What struck me was the boy's face.
He had an almost perfect circle of inflamed blisters around his mouth.

Back at the sleigh I asked Mark if he had ever seen anything like that.

His face got kind of grey and he looked away. "It's from sniffing gas," he
said. "The kids pull a Jerry can of gas off the back of a snowmobile, pop
the cap and inhale it from the spout. When it's 40 below outside, gas is
awful cold. Whatever it touches freezes almost instantly. The blisters and
the redness are frostbite."

In a small community everyone knows everyone. So over the years, I watched
that boy grow up. He had trouble in school, with the law, with violence, in
relationships, and with his health. I remember wondering: were the many
problems in his life a result of his substance use from an early age or
were the drugs he used a way to cope with problems he had to face? What
could we have done better in helping him out?

During Drug Awareness Week (November 16th - 22nd), we try to heighten
public awareness of the risks of substance use. The younger that someone is
when they begin experimenting with substances, the greater their potential
for substance misuse and associated long-term problems. If we can convince
our youth to abstain from using until they are older, they will have a
better chance of establishing a healthier lifestyle.

Problems with addictions often go hand in hand with health problems. Think
about the drunk driver involved in a car crash that ends up in a hospital
Emergency room. Or the person who has an accident snowmobiling after
drinking a few beers with friends.

There is also a strong connection between addictions and mental health
issues. Over 70 per cent of all people who access Mental Health services
also have a substance misuse problem.

The link between substance misuse and health is huge. If we can help people
change their lives, we will not only create a better quality of life for
the individual and their family but also improve their health and
well-being. In addition, the costs of addiction problems on the overall
health system are reduced.

This is a big reason why addictions services have become part of B.C.'s
overall health system, run by regional health authorities like Northern
Health. The Government of B.C. has recognized that addiction issues impact
all areas of the province's health service network. In making addictions a
part of our health system, it is now linked into many important programs
that can offer support and healing.

If you think you have an addictions problem or know someone who does, there
are lots of things you can do. In many communities across the north, drug
and alcohol counselling offices are available. A family doctor can provide
help. You can also call the B.C. Alcohol and Drug Information Line
toll-free to find out more information at 1-800-663-1441.

Every day I see people trying to regain control of a life impacted by
substance misuse, and although every story is different, the hurt and pain
suffered are the same. I'd like to emphasize that assistance is available -
a call or visit could make the difference and we - my fellow support
workers and I - are here to listen and to help.

Andrew Burton

Alcohol and Drug counsellor

Prince George