Saskatchewan Addictions Awareness

2023 National Addictions Awareness Week is November 19 to 25. For more information, visit National Addictions Awareness Week.

Local events encourage individuals to learn more about alcohol and drug use, the potential harms associated with these activities, how to decrease stigma associated with use, and connect for help with mental health and addictions services.

On October 5, 2023, the Government of Saskatchewan announced a new Action Plan for Mental Health and Addictions. The new action plan has three pillars of focus: building capacity for treatment, improving the system, and transitioning to a Recovery-Oriented System of Care with a focus on treatment and recovery.

A Recovery-Oriented System of Care (ROSC) will help address the complex needs of individuals who use substances. Everyone across sectors and with community will need to work together to help people increase the internal and external resources (or Recovery Capital) people can use to begin and maintain their pursuit of recovery. Community-capital plays a critical role in a ROSC model providing individuals with local and broader societal resources to create and promote recovery-friendly environments, health care, housing, employment opportunities, and community groups.

National Addiction Awareness Week provides Saskatchewan residents the opportunity to learn more about prevention, to talk about treatment and recovery, and to learn about solutions to help address the harms related to alcohol and other drug use.

Alcohol, Drug and Addictions Resources are available to assist individuals, families, service providers, physicians and communities support those with mental health and addictions issues.

Alcohol is sometimes used to relax, socialize and celebrate. If you decide to drink alcohol it's important to do so in a safe and responsible way. Problematic drinking patterns can lead to a range of social and health related harms.

The CAGE Screening Questionnaire

Ask yourself:

• Have you ever felt you should CUT DOWN on your drinking?
• Have people ANNOYED you by criticizing your drinking?
• Have you ever felt bad or GUILTY about your drinking?
• Have you ever had a drink in the morning (an EYE OPENER) to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?

If you are male: Two "yes" responses suggests a current or past alcohol problem.

If you are female: One "yes" response suggests a current or past alcohol problem (Bradley et al. 1998).

A health care provider such as a physician and/or Addictions Counsellor may be able to assist. They can assess if you have a drinking problem and can help you determine ways to lead a healthy life. This could include suggestions that you cut back on your alcohol use or stop drinking alcohol.

Source: Ewing, J.A. (1984). Detecting alcoholism: The CAGE questionnaire, Journal of the American Medical Association, 252 (14), 1905-1907. Used with permission from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)

Prescription drugs can enhance your quality of life when taken as directed by your prescriber. Licensed prescribers have the expertise to determine what prescription medications are most effective and how to use them safely. When medications are misused/abused, they can be harmful.

There are a number of questions you can ask yourself to determine if you are using prescribed medication safely.

Do you:

• Inform your health care provider of all other medications, herbal products, and vitamins you are taking?
• Know if there are any follow up checks or lab tests needed?
• Follow your prescriber's directions?
• Know when, how long and how often to take your medications?

Do you find out from your prescriber or pharmacist:

• What to do if you forget to take your medication?
• About the medication's side effects?
• What to do if you mistakenly take too much?
• How soon you will begin to feel better?
• Which over-the-counter medications are not safe to use if you are taking a prescribed medication?

Cannabis refers to marijuana, hashish, and hash oil. Marijuana looks grey, green or brown and is the dried leaves and the flowering parts of the hemp plant, cannabis sativa. Cannabis is usually smoked in a joint, pipe, or bong. In most instances cannabis is illegal and there are potential harms associated with its use.

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health suggests that key signs of problematic substance abuse include:

1. Harmful consequences, such as:
• Injuries while under the influence;
• Feelings of anxiety, irritability or depression;
• Trouble thinking clearly;
• Blackouts;
• Problems with relationships;
• Spending money on substances rather than on food, rent or other essentials;
• Legal problems related to substance use;
• Loss of hope, feelings or emptiness.
2. Loss of control:
• 'Using' when you didn't originally intend to;
• Taking more of the drug than you intended to; or
• Being unaware or in denial when your substance abuse is problematic.

Used with permission from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)

Cannabis/marijuana can affect people in different ways. Stay informed about the risks that cannabis can pose to your health and well-being. Seek support if you need it from a health care provider such as a physician and/or Addictions Counsellor.