AADAC CREATES AWARENESS - NATIONAL ADDICTIONS AWARENESS WEEK, NOV. 17 TO 23

Addictions don't discriminate. That's one of the main messages the Alberta
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) wants to get out during National
Addictions Awareness Week.

"People often envision an older man who's unemployed when they think of an
alcoholic," says AADAC area supervisor Sue Lysachok. "We see a lot of young
people and the majority of clients are still employed and have families."

AADAC offers free and fully confidential help in beating addictions, says
Lysachok. Treatment can begin as easily as an anonymous phone call. But the
program can also refer clients to more comprehensive treatment such as
detox centres.

There are several myths Lysachok would like to dispel on the topic of
addictions.

"Many people stereotype addictions as an Aboriginal problem," says
Lysachok. "We see many, many non-Aboriginal people." Teens also get a bad
rap, says Lysachok, especially when drugs enter the conversation.

"The vast majority of teens don't use drugs," she says, "but we see a lot
of adults with drug problems."

Alcohol is still the drug of choice in the St. Paul area, says Lysachok.
There is an increasing number of people mixing alcohol and drug abuse.
Another myth Lysachok cites is the idea that small rural towns don't have
problems with hard drugs.

"We have a high incidence of cocaine and heroin abuse," she says. "Most
people are shocked when I tell them that as a percentage (per population)
we have a higher incidence than large urban centres such as Edmonton or
Calgary."

There is one final myth Lysachok bursts.

"People think they can't help someone until they recognize that they have a
problem and ask for help. Until they hit rock bottom. Why do that to a
person you care about when you can do something sooner?"

Lysachok says AADAC has a number of resources to help people help friends
or family members they're concerned about.