Advertisement 1

Addictions don't discriminate

Article content

“No one is destined from birth to develop an addiction. So why will approximately six million Canadians find themselves experiencing addiction at some point in their lives, while others can use substances without their use becoming problematic?”

Advertisement 2
Story continues below
Article content

That is the question being asked by the creators of Addictions Don’t Discriminate, an in-person interactive exhibit created in Edmonton and brought to the Wetaskiwin Mall last week.

Article content

While addiction is often seen as a moral failing or character flaw, research shows that, like many chronic illnesses, there is a combination of genetic, development, social and environmental factors that influence a person’s lived experience and the likelihood of their developing an addiction.

“We thought it would be a nice compliment to some of the other things we’ve done this year,” said Wetaskiwin FCSS program coordinator Cindy Plant. “It’s another way we could use to open up the conversation around some really hard topics that not just Wetaskiwin but the province and the country is struggling with.”

Advertisement 3
Story continues below
Article content

The exhibit, which was set up in the mall Nov. 3-4, offers a glimpse into the complex world of addiction through the stories of six people.

Additionally, a number of organizations that provide support and information to Wetaskiwin area residents were on hand to talk about their programs and resources, including AHS Mental Health and Addictions, AHS Virtual Opioid Dependency Program (VODP),Turning Point Society

Maskwacis Counseling and Support Services, AWEAR, Moms Stop the Harm, Catholic Social Services, Hope Mission, The Open Doors and Dylan’s Hope Foundation.

There was also naloxone training provided and kits for people to take home.

“It’s self-directed, so we have some people who read every single panel, then come and ask questions,” said Plant. “Others read a few panels and carry on, but the information it provides is really great.”

Following a candlelight vigil on Overdose Awareness Day, a presentation from Dr. Jody Carrington and trauma screening, Addictions Don’t Discriminate continues with FCSS’s plan to keep the conversation on addictions going, with plans for other activities in the coming months.

Article content
Comments
You must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.
Join the Conversation

Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.

Latest National Stories
    News Near Wetaskiwin
      This Week in Flyers