Community Resources - Substance Abuse & Addiction by Astrid Carter https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s Information and resources to help you better support those dealing with addiction and substance use. en-us 2022-11-29 21:54:15 UTC 2022-12-06 00:57:52 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f49c.png Where can I find help? Can I afford it? hgunner33 https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2404133290 One way that most people know of is AA or Alcoholics Anonymous. This is a free program that is available in almost every city in Canada and is confidential. This program however is not very diverse and may not be suitable for everyone.]]> 2022-11-30 19:45:25 UTC https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2404133290 Support for families hgunner33 https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2404135658 Al Anon family groups are meetings similar to AA but they are designed for the families of alcoholics. The purpose of these meetings is to help people who are concerned about a loved ones drinking problem. You are given the opportunity to learn from other peoples similar experiences and learn effective coping strategies. They offer a program specifically for teens as well. ]]> 2022-11-30 19:47:23 UTC https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2404135658 What is Substance abuse? khydorothy https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2404579068 Substance abuse refers to harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including illegal drugs, use of alcohol and pain meds. 


]]> 2022-12-01 03:50:00 UTC https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2404579068 Substance Abuse and Stigma khydorothy https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2404585047 Stigma against those who use drugs is a barrier that prevents people from asking for help. Many people don't ask for help because they feel ashamed or scared of repercussions. ]]> 2022-12-01 03:57:26 UTC https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2404585047 About Stigma khydorothy https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2404590775 Stigma can lead a person to avoid getting help because they are afraid of judgement or getting in trouble with work, their loved ones or even the law. Many people don’t ask for help because they feel ashamed or scared. (Stigma and Discrimination | CMHA Victoria Office (BC Division))(Health Canada, “Stigma around Drug Use”)]]> 2022-12-01 04:05:05 UTC https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2404590775 What is Stigma? khydorothy https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2404591909 Stigma is a negative attitudes, beliefs or behaviours about or towards a group of people because of their situation in life. Stigma is one of the biggest barrier for people people seeking and receiving treatment for substance abuse. (Stigma and Discrimination | CMHA Victoria Office (BC Division))(Health Canada, “Stigma around Drug Use”)]]> 2022-12-01 04:06:37 UTC https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2404591909 British Columbia Centre On Substance Use: https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2404680272 Suite 400 1045 Howe St, VANCOUVER BRITISH COLUMBIA V6Z 2A9 · ~90.6 km
(778) 945-7616
bccsu.ca
]]> 2022-12-01 05:58:21 UTC https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2404680272 HRTC – Harm Reduction Therapy Center https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2404683905
The Harm Reduction Therapy Center provides integrated mental health care and substance use treatment to people who, because their relationship with drugs is so intertwined with other emotional and social aspects of their lives, need more than simple “just say no” solutions and mainstream programs.


]]> 2022-12-01 06:03:19 UTC https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2404683905 Harm Reduction: Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2404686182 2022-12-01 06:06:41 UTC https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2404686182 Harm Reduction Teaching activities and resources https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2404687358
  • Is an alternative to the disease causation model of substance use.
  • Accepts that at any given time some people are not ready to choose abstinence.
  • Accepts that substance use occurs in society and works to minimize its harmful effects
  • Accepts that people who are substance-dependent should have a voice in the creation of programs and policies designed to serve them
  • Values patient autonomy.
  • Does not exclude abstinence as an option 

    • ]]>     2022-12-01 06:08:26 UTC https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2404687358     https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2404691882 Understandings of relationship between humans and drugs:
    - People use drugs for reasons.
    - Self-determination is key to motivation    .
    - Change occurs in steps, or stages.
    - Integrated treatment works best for people with multiple intersecting issues.

    It works because it's:
    • Individualized: Each individual’s relationship with drugs and alcohol is different -substance misuse develops from a unique interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors.  We understand that people use drugs for a variety of reasons and we work hard to help each client understand their own motivations.
    • Client directed: We empower clients to prioritize which problems they want to address and to set goals.  We do not insist on particular outcomes.  Research tells us that when clients select their own goals, success is much more likely, and one success leads to another.
    • Respectful and compassionate: We are committed to developing a deep understanding of our clients, and helping create positive outcomes for them.
    • Non-dogmatic: We do not ask clients to adopt labels such as “alcoholic or addict”, or to believe that they have a disease, in order to change or quit substance use.
    ]]>     2022-12-01 06:14:39 UTC https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2404691882     Harm Reduction Services and Numbers in Victoria https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2404695927
    • Mobile Van (deliveries & used syringe pick-up from Sidney to Sooke); Wed-Fri noon - 4pm
    • Case management support (713 Outreach Team partnership with Island Health)
    • Harm reduction supplies and support (peer support, counselling, referrals)
    • Overdose prevention and response training, including take-home naloxone
    • Education for safer drug use and safer sex
    • Street Nurse clinics
    • Referral and assistance navigating social and health care systems
    • Outreach education for youth and people who are incarcerated
    • Educational and leadership development programming (Street College)
    ]]>     2022-12-01 06:18:53 UTC https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2404695927     Rehab hgunner33 https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2406228833 Getting sober is hard and can be expensive, Cedars treatment center is a well known and effective location but unfortunately not an exception when it comes to cost.
    The programs offered are reflected in this though! Cedars offers unique treatment plans to each individual and realizes that sobriety is only the first step in a true recovery and offers paths towards staying clean after you've left the center]]>     2022-12-02 06:15:55 UTC https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2406228833     Trauma informed practice hgunner33 https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2407109536 Substance abuse and trauma are strongly linked, as well as linked to mental health, stigma, health care barriers, etc.
    Trauma informed practice means recognizing these links and not re-traumatizing people.]]>     2022-12-02 20:02:14 UTC https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2407109536     Trauma-Informed Practice Guide (May 2013) hgunner33 https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2407117216 2022-12-02 20:11:10 UTC https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2407117216 A Trauma-Informed Practice Guide for Working with Children, Youth, and Families (January 2017) hgunner33 https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2407117991 2022-12-02 20:12:09 UTC https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2407117991 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (July 2014) hgunner33 https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2407120959 2022-12-02 20:15:30 UTC https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2407120959 5 small ways we can make a difference khydorothy https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2407185290
    1. Tell someone who doesn’t know my story of mental health or substance use problems, or help others tell their story
    2. Seek direct contact by volunteering for a mental health or addictions organization, or find personal stories of recovery
    3. Think about the words I use. Do I use people-centered language like, “A person living with…” or do I say, “A schizophrenic” or, “An alcoholic?”
    4. Think about how I personally support and treat people around me who are living with a mental health or substance use problem
    5. Speak up when I see discrimination or when I see a law or policy that unfairly excludes people
    ]]>     2022-12-02 21:55:22 UTC https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2407185290     Help end stigma khydorothy https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2407186409 Take these important steps to help reduce stigma:

    • do not define any person by their drug use
    • be respectful, compassionate and caring to those who use drugs
    • educate your friends and family - pass on facts and challenge stereotypes
    • remember that addiction is a treatable medical condition, not a choice, and is deserving of care just like any other medical condition
    • be aware of your attitudes and behaviours because they may be influenced by stereotypes, negative stories and images about people who use drugs
    ]]>     2022-12-02 21:57:25 UTC https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2407186409     Substance Abuse and Racism hgunner33 https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2407357591 Substance abuse is common in minority communities due to generational trauma and colonialism, that has led to them being genetically predisposed to addiction.

    Stereotypes can often deter those from minority groups from seeking help for their substance abuse issues so it is important for professionals--and we as a community--to be aware of our subconscious biases.]]>     2022-12-03 06:06:54 UTC https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2407357591     Drug Decriminalization and Legalization astridacarter https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2408267901 Decriminalization refers to the repeal or removal of laws and policies that prohibit drug use and possession.

    Legalization refers to a status wherein the production, possession, and consumption of particular drugs are legal under certain circumstances.]]>     2022-12-04 21:04:17 UTC https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2408267901     Decriminalization: Options & Evidence - Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (June 2018) astridacarter https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2408270613 A growing body of evidence suggests that decriminalization is an effective approach to mitigating the harms of substance abuse; it is based on the notion that substance abuse is a complex health and social issue.]]> 2022-12-04 21:09:38 UTC https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2408270613 Resources, Education, Employment, and Support astridacarter https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2408298828 2022-12-04 22:10:12 UTC https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2408298828 What is Naloxone and how is it used? https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2408385895 Naloxone is a medication used to quickly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It is available without a prescription for free at most pharmacies. Naloxone is administered by injection into large muscled areas such as the thigh or arm. It is safe to use on anyone that is unresponsive and you believe is overdosing on opioids.  

    This resource from the provincial government of British Columbia provides further information on the following:

    - Where to find Naloxone and who is eligible for the government's "take home Naloxone" program.

    -Links to resources such as recognizing the signs of an overdose and how to administer Naloxone. ]]>     2022-12-05 00:46:05 UTC https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2408385895     https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2409905494 Substance is a drug-checking project by the University of Victoria in partnership with Health Canada and other organizations. They provide free confidential testing of illicit substances as a form of harm reduction to prevent overdoses amid the opioid crisis. The service also aims to combat substance use stigma by providing a safe space to test and learn about potential risks with different substances. They also provide free Naloxone kits and training on how to use them.

    Substance
     1802 Cook Street
     Victoria, BC
     V8T 3P6 
     Monday - Saturday
     12PM - 7PM

    ]]>     2022-12-06 00:15:43 UTC https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2409905494     Research article: Implementing drug checking as an illicit drug market intervention within the supply chain in a Canadian setting https://padlet.com/astridacarter/a2fycvp49nd1ko3s/wish/2409924561 This research explores the link between stigma toward substance use and the benefits of drug testing services in relation to the opioid crisis.  

    "This crisis is being fuelled by drug prohibition and societal stigmatization, as well as structural violence experienced by people who use and sell substances"

    Drug checking provides increased safety for those consuming them as well as information for the public about the supply circulating in the area. It is an immediate way to make the illegal drug market safer by offering people who use drugs a confidential place they can test their substance before taking it. 

    Providing peaceful interventions such as confidential drug checking that do not shame or criminalize the people using them is essential in decreasing the stigma around substance use and aiding in the opioid crisis.



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