Alberta Health Services (AHS) is partnering with individuals, community groups, schools and businesses to organize a number of local area events for National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW), November 25th to December 1st.

NAAW aims to raise awareness about issues related to substance abuse and problem gambling. The week highlights prevention and how everyone can play a role, no matter how big or small, towards helping build addiction-free lifestyles.

AHS wants to help increase understanding of the stigma associated with substance abuse and addiction, and the impact it has on people affected by this issue. It’s important for those who are struggling to know it’s okay to ask for help and to ensure those dealing with addiction issues are treated with respect and dignity, without judgment and stigma​​​​​​.

There will be several local events for NAAW next week.

From November 25th to January 7th, Safe and Sober campaign pledge trees will be set up at the Salvation Army, Northern Addictions Centre, Grande Prairie Friendship Centre, Canadian Mental Health Association and ACT Medical. People are invited to sign and hang up small cards on a pledge tree, promising to make responsible choices over the holiday season.

From November 25th to December 1st, local liquor outlets will participate in an awareness campaign by handing out National Addiction Awareness Week cards promoting the theme: Stigma Ends With Me.

On November 27th, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Northreach Society and Grande Prairie Friendship Centre will host ‘With All Our Relations,’ an addiction awareness week workshop at the Grande Prairie Museum Community Room.

This addiction awareness workshop examines the contemporary experiences of Indigenous people as it relates to substance abuse; specifically, the current opioid crisis. The day wraps with a take-home naloxone training session. Open to people 16 years of age and up, and includes lunch. Registration is limited to 30 participants. To register, please call Audrey at Northreach Society, 780-538-3388, or email audrey@northreach.ca.

The Grande Prairie Regional college will be making mocktails on November 27th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. near the entrance to the Douglas J. Cardinal Performing Arts Centre. NAAW planning committee members will offer samples and recipes for non-alcoholic options for holiday festivities, as well as information on responsible hosting.

Northwest Peace Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Network will be giving presentations at the Duncan First Nation on Nov. 22 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. (prior to round dance at the Community Hall), Gift Lake Metis Settlement on November 26th from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Seniors Centre, and Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation on November 27 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Health Unit. All are open to the public.