You might not think of National Addictions Awareness Week, well, ever...but this year, it's worth thinking about because addictions are a growing concern. Prevention is key. Awareness is how that starts. What do you know about addictions? How do you feel about addictions? What impact does it have on you? Your work? Your family? Your future? It depends on where you fall on the spectrum of use - of pretty much anything. How much and how often do you drink? How much and how often if ever do you use cannabis or other drugs, prescription or otherwise? How often do you spend playing video games, or scrolling social media or gambling, or shopping or pick something that is taking away time that you used to spend doing something else? CWO Chris Thombs and I talk about addictions through the lens of anchoring it in hope - the theme of this year's NAAW campaign. We have a frank discussion about what we need to do as individuals and what supervisors can and should be doing to help those they are responsible for, be the best versions of themselves they can be. It's about building community, because that's where healing takes place. The opposite of addiction is connection, and it's up to all of us to create that. Enjoy the episode. 

National Addictions Awareness Week | Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction

To talk to someone at mental health and get a referral to the team at Addiction Concurrent Services - go to mental health intake or call 528-5332

For additional support:

DND Employee Assistance Program - 1-800-663-1142

CFMWS Employee Assistance Program - 1-833-352-9799