“B4 - The Terrace Standard, Wednesday, September 23, 1998 . 7 rl rt ooh on a a Here is some information you may find interesting and alarming. Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral - In 1997, Information and Referral Speclalists responded to 21,110 enquiries on this province-wide, 24 hour, toll-free service. This Is an increase of 506 calls over 1996, and represents an average of 58 calls a day. One third of callara had conerns about alcoho! use and abuse (36%). The two street drugs that generated most enquirles were cocaine (13%) and heroin (8%). These figures represent a reversal of the 1996 statistics when cocaine related calls dropped to 7 per cent and heroin Increased to 11 per cent. Tha 1997 figures are similar to those recorded prior to 1996. Somo of the other drugs that prompted enquiries were cannabis . (5%); prescription drugs (3%), and tobacco (0.5%). : . p . Callers’ needs were met through a variety of reterrala, including: , PROMOTING UTERACY: Lynn Patterson, coordinator for the Community Outpatiant Services 6,249; Detox Centres 3,997; Residentia! Treatment i Readers and Writers Program, is trying to spread awareness of the adult learning 1,495; General Counselling 338; Crisis Services 285. program. Cherie Benson (right) was at the mail Sept. 1 completing a literacy quiz. * Substance abuse is one of the most has become the leading cause of down, loss of productivity, and child ' devastating public health problems death for adults age 30-49 in this abuse. eC ach | Nn ad U Its to read today. It touches Prope of all ages, province, with more than 300 deaths TOBACCO income levels and social standings. it annually. the leading cause of new Tobacco use represents another , = extends into our lives in such insidious cases of HIV infection is now IDU, and = major public health problem account ALMOST 40 per cent of the adulis living in adults of all learning Jevels. Some people, and complex ways that it is difficult, if we have epidemics of hepatitis Band ing for 21% of total mortality (5,831 - Terrace have trouble reading. she said, don't know the alphabet, while not impossible, to determine the true C related to IDU as well. deaths) in 1996, Based on current They can understand material that is others can read but they can’t spell , extent of the damage it causes to indi- While this epidemic is centred in trends, tobacco will soon be a greater simple and clearly laid out, but they can’t’ In the Readers and W. tees ‘yrorerarn viduals, families, and society. Whether the downtown eastside of Vancouver, it cause of death and disability world- ‘ Hi i Ln Patters - dul 6 a td i gram, measured in terms of health risk or is a province-wide problem requiring wide than any single disease. Within read well, says Lynn Patterson, coordimator adults (anyone 16 years or older who is out emotional and relational pein or a provincial strategy. The outbreak isa the next three decades, tobacco may for Terrace’s Community Readers and of school full time) receive one-on-one financial consequences the cost of sub- symptom of broader problems - child — well be responsible for more deaths in Writers Program. tutoring and an_ individual leaming pro- stance abuse is astronomical. abuse and neglect, drug use, the world than AIDS, tuberculosis, and Patterson is trying to promote awareness gram. They can Jeamm grammar skills, dic- A MAJOR HEALTH THREAT untreated addiction, poverty, and mar- complications in childbirth combined. of the federally and provincially-funded tionary skills, computer experience, key- * Substance abuse is a major factor ginalization - that need attention Fifty percent of regular smokers who program so she can reach those adults who boarding and word processing. in nine of the twelve leading causes of | throughout British Columbia. start in adolescence and continue to have problems reading, wriling and spell- ‘The program is a huge success,”’ she death in British Columbia. In fact, sub- ALCOHOL smoke throughout their lives will even- ing. said. ‘When people get liclp, they realize stance abuse contributed to 8,034 of © Alcchol is a significant cause of tually be killed by tobacco. Half of “The number of people -who come for they’re not slupid. It’s a major confidence the 27,361 deaths recorded in British deoth and disability from various dis- those will die in middle age and lose, help to leam to read is minimal considering boost.” Columbia in 1996. that Fo stagger eases {particularly diseases of the cir on average, 22 years of life ‘ eas . ing 30%. In addition to the mortality culatory system, _ liver is- expectancy. io big He prowe 8 pores one said me Summer Patterson nt. been musy due to substance abuse, a substantial ease/cirrhosis, cancers, and diseases WHAT CAN I DO wo out of every five adults in Canada recruiting volunteer (tors in Terrace: who amount of disability and social pathol- of the respiratory system}, automobile First, examine your own attitudes struggle with basic reading tasks. will teach other adults how to read, write y are also due to the use of some accidents, industrial injuries, acciden- regarding substance misuse. Become Patterson said many adulls are reluctant and spell. ; substances, These factors must be rec- tal drowning, homicide, and suicide. as informed as possible regarding the to learn to read because they're embar- Volunteer tutors are given 16 hours of ognized in assessing the true public In BC alcohol-related deaths in 1996 problem and the resources available . rassed. free training to teach them various learning health burden of substance abuse. totalled 1,841 or nearly 7% of total for dealing with it. Talk to the health “They think their too old and they’ve styles, WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT mortality, For those aged 20-44 and social service providers in your been told they’re stupid,’ she said. ‘But Presently she has 30 volunteers lined up. INJECTION DRUG USEIN BRITISH — alcohol-related deaths accounted for community about the issues. Find out, that’s not the case, It’s nat their fault.” All she needs now are eager students, COLUMBIA? 18% of all deaths. As well as the issue — what is happening by way of preven- Patterson said low literacy skills are a “If a person’s motivated,” she said * For the past decade, British of mortality, alcohol is implicated ina — tion programs in local schools and talk result of poverty, dysfunctional families, ‘they can do anything,” , , Columbia has had an epidemic of range of social problems including to your School Board. Be part of the special learning needs, community isolation If anyone needs help with reading or | deaths on) Ovenloce | ait crime, violence, parlicuory ear solution. and moving from school to school at criti- knows someone that needs help with lcarn- , g , . , . . . cal ages. ing, contact Lynn Patterson at the Terrace IF you have questions, concerns or need help, these services are available for For the past three ycars, she’s helped Volunteer Bureau or call 638-1330. Alcohol & Drug Counsel ing in Terrace - —_ Northwest Addiction Services Northwest Counselling Centre Me XIC q n Fi f #311 - 3228 Kalum Street 4722 Lakelse Ave. Terrace, B.C. V8G 2N1 Terrace, B.C. V8G 1R6 638-8117 638-8311 a Week e nd | Kermode Friendship Centre | | J _ «3313 Kalum Street Cee ar ; : Terrace, B.C. V8G 2N7 aoe 4 Wear Your Sombrero. and join in the fun! oo > s = |THE TERRACE LITTLE THEATRE Remember there is always Did you know drug and alcohol abuse can have many effects on your life and the lives of friends and families? 635-7670 a better activity to do then drug use. 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