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National Addiction Awareness Week runs Nov. 20-26

GRANDE PRAIRIE ¨C National Addiction Awareness Week (NAAW) provides opportunities to raise awareness and inform Â鶹ӳ»­ns about prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery.

Â鶹ӳ»­ (AHS) is teaming with individuals, community groups and businesses across the province to recognize NAAW, which runs until Saturday.

This year¡¯s theme is A Community of Caring.

Addiction is a complex health issue, and the effects of addiction go beyond the individual, and may include their family, friends, and society. Every Â鶹ӳ»­n should have the opportunity to pursue recovery, and community support is essential as they navigate services within Â鶹ӳ»­¡¯s recovery-oriented system of care.

NAAW calls on everybody to learn more about addiction and recovery and gives us an opportunity to highlight ways in which all Â鶹ӳ»­ns can play a role ¡ª big or small ¡ª to support one another in driving change together.

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

• Nov. 22
  • NAAW information hand out at McDonald¡¯s drive thru (11802 100 St.) from 7 to 9 a.m.
  • Salvation Army Hope in the City Food Truck at Wapiti House (10101 97A St.) from 12 to 1:30 p.m.
  • Let¡¯s Talk About Anger Workshop Part 1 (virtual/in-person) at Grande Prairie Public Library from 2-3 p.m. For more info and to register: .
• Nov. 23
  • Harm Reduction and Naloxone Training by Northreach Society at Grande Prairie Public Library from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • FASD Network Mocktail event at Northwestern Polytechnic (10726 106 Ave.) from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
  • Work & Recovery: Returning to Work after Addictions Treatment ¨C Virtual workshop at Grande Prairie Public Library/R. Work Group from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. For more info and to register: .
  • Harm Reduction and Naloxone Training Community Booth (Northreach Society) Beaverlodge Community Center (1014 4 Ave) from 6 to 8 p.m.
  • FASD Network Presentation for Caregivers at Grande Prairie Family Education Society (9606 102 St.) from 7 to 8 p.m.
  • Free Family Skate Night presented by AHS Addictions and City of Grande Prairie at Coca-Cola Centre from 7:45 to 8:45 p.m.
• Nov. 24
  • NAAW information hand out at McDonald¡¯s drive thru (11802 100 St.) from 11 a.m.to 1 p.m.
  • NAAW Awareness Pancake Breakfast at St. Joseph High School from 9 to 10:30 a.m.
  • Harm Reduction and Naloxone Training by Northreach Society at Nordic Court (10014 99 St.) from 12 to 1 p.m.
  • Let¡¯s Talk About Anger Workshop Part 2 (virtual/in-person) at Grande Prairie Public Library from 2-3 p.m. .
  • Harm Reduction and Naloxone Training by Northreach Society for Youth drop-in from 6 to 7 p.m. at Nordic Court (10014 99 St.).
• Nov. 25
  • NAAW Information Community Booth at Eastlink Centre (10 Knowledge Way) from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Resources available to help individuals, families, schools, and communities. Visit . These resources include information on what people can do for their 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. Â鶹ӳ»­ns can get more information and help by calling Health Link at 811 or the Addiction Helpline at 1-866-332-2322.

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