Share Family and Community Services' alcohol and drug program is hosting a free education series starting next month.
The program is open to Tri-City residents and has 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.
There is no cost for this group, which runs Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Share, 2615 Clarke St., Port Moody.
The format consists of a video, a brief presentation, and open discussion. Topics will vary from week to week as outlined below:
April 4: Use, misuse, abuse - how people become addicted.
April 11: Alcohol - How dependence develops; controlled using; effects on pregnant women.
April 18: Medical aspects and effects of alcohol and drug abuse. What happens to the body and mind under the influence.
April 25: Cocaine and crystal meth - the struggle to recover, and what long-term recovery looks like.
May 2: Relapse prevention - discussion on the psychological, emotional and physical aspects of relapsing and what can be done.
May 9: Stress - learning how to cope with little and big problems without using.
May 16: Anger - understanding your anger and learning how to manage it more effectively.
May 22: Trauma - How substance misuse often occurs with people who have experienced childhood abuse. How these experiences may cause relapses or continued misuse.
May 30: Drinking, drugs and driving - How the new laws will affect you. You will learn about blood alcohol levels, the .05 determining impaired drivers. We will also discuss how drugs impair our judgement.
June 6: Mental illness, depression and addiction - Many people have a substance problem and are coping with mental issues. Understanding the links between the two issues will be tonight's goal.
June 13: Substance affected - How others' misuse or abuse of alcohol and drugs affects us. How to help others.
June 20: Stage ll recovery - Life in the future.
For more information, phone 604-936-3900.
