National Addiction Awareness Week: Championing Change in Substance Use and Mental Health
Episode Overview
National Addiction Awareness Week's focus on inspiration, innovation, and inclusion Insight into the staggering costs of substance use and addiction in Canada The importance of mental health support amid the substance use pandemic Highlighting the need for inclusive and culturally sensitive treatment approaches Overview of the wide variety of services offered by Community and Addiction Services of Niagara (CASON)
The direction for this year is inspiration, innovation, and inclusion. And I think what you just talked about in part was matches with that. And I think, and this is just me, and I'm, you know, I'm sort of an outsider from from working with substance use and addiction. But I think inclusion, the word inclusion is one of the most important things that we have to look at.
National Addiction Awareness Week (Nov. 10-25, 2023) is a pivotal time for shedding light on the challenges and triumphs in the fight against substance use and addiction. In this episode of 'Life Unscripted', host Janice Arnoldi sits down with Marnie Prokator from Community and Addiction Services of Niagara (CASON) to discuss the diverse and impactful services they offer. CASON provides free, no-referral-needed support, making it accessible to anyone in need.
The conversation dives into the staggering financial burden of substance use in Canada, which reached $49.1 billion in 2020, with alcohol and tobacco being major contributors. The episode also highlights the tragic cost of opioid deaths, particularly among young people, accounting for $7 billion of that total. Marnie shares how CASON's innovative and inclusive approaches are making a difference in the community. From mental health support to culturally sensitive treatment options, CASON is at the forefront of providing comprehensive care.
This episode is not just about statistics; it's about real people and real solutions. Janice and Marnie emphasize the importance of inspiration, innovation, and inclusion in tackling these pressing issues. If you're looking to understand the complexities of addiction and the efforts being made to address it, this episode offers valuable insights and hope.