Addiction in the Community of Cape Breton

Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, as many of us may know, is a small island on the east coast of Canada, well-known for its gorgeous and breathtaking Cabot Trail. However, what you may not know about Cape Breton is that it "has the lowest average age when people start drinking in the country. Over fifty percent of young adult males are problem drinkers. The amount of needles being exchanged (Safe Programs) has been increasing at least 25% every year." And on top of all of that, while addiction‬ services do exist on the island, the programs are having immense difficulty in keeping up with the rising demand.

Recently, the Lighthouse of Cape Breton and Undercurrent Youth Centre released a video called "Faces of Addiction" (check it out below) which shares stories of how addiction and substance use has impacted and changed the lives of many in the community.

More than raising awareness of the issue, the video pushes for change, but in a unique way ... by putting the attention on future generations and addiction prevention. As David Sawler, director of the Lighthouse/Undercurrent Centre stated "We’re so swamped with dealing with addiction that we don’t have any time left to keep people out of addiction ... We’re fighting a losing battle if we’re only dealing with addicts. There has to be some kind of focus on lowering the amount kids and youth getting into addiction.”

Find out more here:
http://thechronicleherald.ca/novascotia/1304376-mother-offers-hope-to-others-facing-scourge-of-addiction