Share Family and Community Services' alcohol and drug program invites you to attend any or all of its free addiction education series, which runs weekly from April 20 through June 29.
The program is open to everyone in the community and will offer important information for those who have an alcohol or drug problem, or for those concerned about their use. It will help those people affected by others' use to understand addicts and addictive behaviour.
Sessions run on Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Share, second floor, 2615 Clarke St., Port Moody. There is no cost for this group. The format consists of a video, a brief presentation, and open discussion. Topics will vary from week to week as outlined below:
April 20: Use, misuse, abuse - how people become addicted.
April 27: National and local drug trends: what are adolescents, young adults and adults using these days?
May 4: Medical aspects and effects of alcohol and drug abuse: what happens to the brain and body after using drugs?
May 11: Alcohol - how dependence develops; controlled using; effects on pregnant women.
May 18: Relapse prevention - the psychological, emotional and physical results of relapsing and what can be done.
May 25: Managing stress without using.
June 1: Anger - learn about your anger style and how to cope more effectively.
June 8: Drinking, drugs and driving. What is impairment?
June 15: Mental illness, depression and addiction: many people struggle with mental illness and are substance misusing in order to cope; discussion will centre on the links between the two issues.
June 22: Substance affected: How others' misuse of substances affects us and how to help in ways that are more helpful.
June 29: Life after using: what are the challenges? How do we cope?
For more information, call 604-936-3900.
