Strengthening the Defence Team – Taking action for National Addictions Awareness Week

November 17, 2025 – Defence Stories

Estimated read time – 2:00

This National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW) takes place November 16–22. This year’s theme, Anchoring Hope, speaks to the power of hope as a driving force for change, especially in the face of complex challenges like substance use and mental health.

NAAW is a time to raise awareness about substance use health and explore solutions that reduce harm and stigma. In a positive trend, over the last few decades there has been tremendous progress in the treatment of various substance use disorders resulting in higher than ever recovery rates.  

If you have any concerns about your personal substance use, speak with your healthcare provider. Also-don't hesitate to talk to people about substance use health. Open discussion increases awareness about the variety of experiences and challenges people are facing and can lead to positive outcomes such as connection and growth. If there is someone in your life that you are concerned about, there are resources available to help guide you on how to talk to a family member or friend about their drug or alcohol use.

Across the Defence Team, we are taking meaningful steps to create safer, more inclusive environments—whether by promoting smoke-free outdoor spaces, offering alcohol-free options at events, improving access to supports like nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and naloxone, or fostering understanding around gambling, gaming, screen time and other health issues that may affect well-being. To learn more or get involved, contact your local Strengthening the Forces Health Promotion Office to access tools and resources to support your team. You can also discover what other bases across Canada are doing to foster health and wellness for military members and their families.

Everyone—regardless of rank or role—has a part to play in supporting health, safety, and performance. When you take part in substance use health conversations and action, you embrace the iCare call to action: showing you care for yourself, your colleagues and your team.

 

By making healthier choices the norm, knowing where to find support, and supporting others, we all contribute to a stronger, more resilient Defence Team.

Resources

• Military Mental Health. You’re not alone
• Wellness, inclusion and diversity at National Defence
• Government of Canada mental health services

Strengthening the Forces is the CAF/DND’s health promotion program, offering expert information, guidance, training, tools, and leadership support to enhance CAF members’ health and well-being.