RADAT RAISES ADDICTION AWARENESS

November is Addictions Awareness Month in Richmond.

Whether its drug, alcohol, gambling or any other compulsive behaviour,
addiction directly affects everyone in the community.

Richmond Alcohol and Drug Action Team's goal is to help end the cycle
of addiction, but says such a reality is only possible if the
community unites in creating awareness and support.

"(Addictions Awareness Month) helps to create public awareness where
we can get the community to focus on a certain issue, which also helps
promote awareness of it," says RADAT worker Esther Oh.

Oh says a cornerstone toward prevention is that the message is
consistent and carries on-not just the consistency of the message but
how it is delivered.

"If what we're teaching in the elementary schools stops there for
instance, then obviously it's not as effective as if parents have the
same awareness and the message spreads though a wider community."

Holding different functions at various venues helps to reach a wider
audience, Oh adds.

One major event will be the Prevention Education and Awareness through
Community Efforts Experience on Nov. 24. The aim is to bring the
community together to demonstrate support for friends, family, and
colleagues affected by addiction. The event begins with a candlelight
walk and ends with performances by students on issues related to
addictions at Gateway Theatre from 6 to 10 p.m.

Those interested in performing may call 604-270-9220 before Nov.
20.

Other events include a display at Richmond Centre Monday and Tuesday,
a seminar on supporting someone to overcome addiction Nov. 13 at at
Richmond Cultural Centre, and an open-mike forum Nov. 19 at Kwantlen
University College.