Community events in Grande Prairie to raise awareness around addiction

National Addictions Awareness Week runs Nov. 21-27

GRANDE PRAIRIE – National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW) provides opportunities to address harms related to substance use, and to inform Albertans about prevention, treatment and recovery.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) is teaming up with individuals, community groups, schools and businesses across the province to recognize NAAW, which runs Nov. 21 to 27.

The effects of addiction go beyond the individual and may include their family, friends and society. Preventing and reducing harm related to substance use and addiction is everyone’s business.

NAAW calls on everybody to learn more about issues related to substance use and problem gambling, and gives us an opportunity to highlight ways in which all Albertans can play a role — big or small — to support one another in living addiction-free by driving change together.

The following is a list of some events taking place in North Zone communities:

Grande Prairie and area

• Nov. 22, 1- 2 p.m. – AHS National Addiction Awareness Week (NAAW) Virtual Presentation
  • Register at Eventbrite.ca for the Zoom meeting link to be emailed to you.
• Nov. 23, 7 - 8:30 p.m. – Grande Prairie Aboriginal Circle of Services (GPACOS) presents ahkameyimok: Resilience, an online presentation with Laurent Isadore.
  • Pre-registration is required. Register at Eventbrite.ca, or contact Wendy Goulet at 780-219-8047, or gpacos@outlook.com, for more information.
• Nov. 25, 12 p.m. – Northreach Society’s National Addiction Awareness Week (NAAW) Lunch and Learn.
  • Join us on Zoom to learn about substances, harm reduction and naloxone. Meeting ID: 881 7243 0615

Resources available to help individuals, families, schools and communities. Visit ahs.ca/helpintoughtimes. These resources include information on what individuals can to do for their mental well-being, including self-care tips, which can reduce the chance of addiction occurring.

Some examples of positive self-care include:

• Asking for help.
• Treating yourself with respect as you would treat a friend.
• Going for a walk.
• Practising gratitude.
• Laughing often.
• Understanding your emotions.
• Trying a new hobby.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction, please know help is available. Albertans can get more information and help by calling Health Link at 811 or the Addiction Helpline at 1-866-332-2322.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.