Seeking out help for drug addiction

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Some of us spend our entire lives chasing an elusive feel-good sensation, whether it comes from drinking, smoking, taking drugs, spending too fast and freely, or overeating.

It’s human nature to want the things that give us pleasure, but what starts out as fun can turn into an ugly spiral into addiction.

“Being able to recognize troubling signs early on can be extremely valuable,” said Kelowna-Lake Country MLA Al Horning.

“Help is available. The professional staff at Interior Health can tell you what help is available and where to get it. You don’t have to hit rock bottom before you can get help; in fact, when it comes to addiction, the earlier you talk to someone, the better.”

Some 600,000 Canadians are addicted to alcohol and another 200,000 are addicted to drugs. Those numbers don’t even begin to show the true extent of the problem, but it is a reason enough to support National Addiction Awareness Week, the national campaign to raise awareness about addictions.

“We see students looking for something to calm their nerves at exam time,” said Joan Campbell, director for Okanagan mental health and addictions services.

“We see stressed out professionals, and we see parents under pressure to make ends meet, raise a family, and live up to responsibilities.

“Teachers, lawyers, doctors, students, homemakers, athletes, young and old, rich and poor, it makes no difference who you are or where you live. Anyone can become dependent.”

At times we all look for an escape from problems at home or work, but Campbell said turning to alcohol and other drugs isn’t the answer.

“Alcohol dependency is by far the most common addiction, but certainly not the only one,” said Campbell.

“That means we have to be constantly alert to any potential problem, and be able to recognize troubling signs.”

Can you spot trouble? Ask yourself these questions:

Do you need a few drinks before going out, or do you sometimes drink more than you intended?

Do you hide your alcohol use from family and friends?

Are you pregnant and still smoking, drinking or taking drugs?

Do you take drugs or drink and drive?

Do you have problems related to eating or sleeping?

Do you sometimes forget what happened while you were drunk or high?

Addiction is so consuming it can fracture relationships with family and friends, jeopardize our jobs, and harm our mental and physical health.

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