NATIONAL ADDICTIONS AWARENESS WEEK

The goal of National Addictions Awareness Week is to provide information and
to promote a variety of activities which will serve to generate awareness of
substance and gambling issues that affect people across the country. Its
focus is celebrating the efforts of youth and communities in addiction
prevention across Canada.

Drug Awareness Week began in 1980 and was co-sponsored by the Nova Scotia
Commission on Drug Dependency. In 1981 the four Atlantic provinces joined
together in an Atlantic Canada campaign.

When the majority of territories and provinces began sponsoring drug
awareness activities in 1985, Drug Awareness Week became a Canada-wide
event.

In 1987 the third week in November was officially set as National Addictions
Awareness Week, with the name being changed to encompass all addictions. In
1994 the mandate was expanded to include problem gambling.

This week is a time to celebrate the joy of an addiction-free lifestyle.

Veg-Al-Drug Society and other community agencies and groups are promoting a
variety of activities for the week. A teen conference is taking place at the
Composite High School on Nov. 15 with two keynote speakers, Norbet Georgette
and Barb Tarbox. An Open House will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 19 from 9
a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Veg Al-Drug Society offices.

Everyone is welcome.