Share Alcohol and Drug Program is hosting a free education series that and runs on a number of Thursday evenings from January through April.
The program is open to everyone in the community and offers information for those who are struggling with substance misuse/abuse or are concerned about their use. It will also help those people affected by others’ substance use.
Topics will vary from week to week (see outline below), with the format consisting of a video, a brief presentation, and open discussion. Sessions run from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on the second floor at Share, 2615 Clarke St., Port Moody.
Sessions include:
• Jan. 25: Use, misuse, abuse —gain a better understanding of substance use.
• Feb. 1: Medical aspects and effects of substance use — what happens to the body and mind under the influence.
• Feb. 8: Substance affected — how others’ misuse of substances can affect us and how to support them.
• Feb. 15: Alcohol — how dependence develops; intoxicated driving; and effects during pregnancy.
• Feb. 22: Marijuana — a second-class addiction?
• March 1: Opiates — fentanyl, heroin and other commonly used depressants; addiction, safety and recovery.
• March 8: Stimulants — cocaine, crystal meth and others; short term recovery and long-term recovery.
• March 15: Trauma and substance use — the relationship between trauma and substance use.
• March 22: Anger — understanding anger and learning how to respond to it more effectively.
• March 29: Stress — learning how to cope without using substances.
• April 5: Relapse prevention — the psychological, emotional and physical aspects of relapse and how to respond.
• April 12: Mental illness — depression, anxiety and addiction; understanding the links between mental illness and substance use.
For more information, please call 604-936-3900.
