Addictions exist in many forms and affect people from all walks of life in our communities. National Addictions Awareness Week shines light on alcohol, substance, and prescription drug abuse and reminds Canadians of the many programs available for those suffering from or touched by addiction.
The theme for this year's awareness week is youth substance abuse prevention, especially the use of cannabis, prescription drugs and alcohol by youth. Addressing substance abuse among youth is an important way to combat long-term addiction, given that exposure to drugs during adolescence increases the risk of developing a drug addiction later in life.
The Government of Canada is committed to breaking the cycle of drug addiction by strengthening Canada's justice system and getting tough on those who produce and traffic illicit drugs, while getting access to treatment for those with drug dependencies.
At the federal level, a key strategy for addressing addictions is the National Anti-Drug Strategy (NADS), launched in 2007 as the Government's comprehensive response to combat illicit drug use in Canada. Through the NADS, our Government promotes drug prevention, treats those with drug addiction, and reduces the production and trafficking of illicit drugs.
The abuse of prescription drugs represents a growing problem within our communities, and has emerged as one of the leading public health and safety concerns across the country. In the most recent federal budget, our Government committed $45 million over five years to expand the focus of the NADS to address prescription drug abuse. This funding is being used to educate consumers on the safe use, storage and disposal of prescription medications, enhance our understanding and approach to prevention and treatment, increase compliance inspections, and improve surveillance data.
The addictive nature of tobacco is well documented, with some studies revealing that it can be harder to quit tobacco than it is to quit illicit drugs like heroin or cocaine. Today, tobacco is consumed by nearly five million Canadians, many of whom are addicted. It's important to note that we have achieved significant progress in reducing smoking rates in Canada. Actions taken under the Federal Tobacco Control Strategy have helped to lay the foundation for continued success in tobacco control, and the Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey (2012) found that smoking among 15 to 17-year-olds is at seven per cent, an all-time low.
The Government of Canada continues to evaluate the impact of recent tobacco marketing trends, especially on youth. Earlier this fall, we announced additional measures to protect youth from the dangers of tobacco by proposing regulatory amendments to further restrict flavoured tobacco products that specifically appeal to young people.
Furthermore, the Government of Canada recognizes that alcohol misuse can have significant and widespread health, social and economic consequences for individuals and communities across Canada. Federal partnerships and initiatives address alcohol related harm in three specific areas: programs to prevent and treat Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, research and data collection, and prevention and treatment programs for First Nations and Inuit populations.
National Addictions Awareness Week reminds us all of the harms associated with addictions, and of the support available to those suffering. We encourage all Canadians to stay informed on addictions as we work together to improve the health and safety of our citizens and communities.
Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health
Government of Canada
Peter MacKay
Minister of Justice
Government of Canada
Steven Blaney
Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Government of Canada
