Ending the stigma around addiction crucial in addressing opioid crisis: Peace Country Drug Awareness Coalition

“But at the same time, it’s not just about reaching our children, it’s also about reaching those that are right in the thick of it, to then start making different choices to getting (them) towards a healthier day.”

Savard says in 2020, two Albertans died every day due to overdoses. She says this year, that number has doubled to now four.

“Unfortunately, more often than not, Grande Prairie is top of the charts. Right now, we have the highest numbers per 100 thousand people,” she said.

As of May there had been 22 drug poisoning deaths in the city this year, 20 of which were linked to opioids.

She adds most people who are battling an opioid addiction in the community are not among the street engaged population, but rather a wide demographic of people in the community.

“When 80 per cent of those that are using substances are those that are very high functioning, like those you have lunch or coffee with on a regular basis, nobody or very few people actually know they do use substances and those are the ones we’re finding are 80 per cent of those that are passing away from substance poising.”

By having International Overdose Awareness Day marked on the calendar, Savard says it helps toward putting an end to the stigma surrounding addictions and overdoses, which she says, helps individuals struggling with addictions open up and reach out for help.

“Just to be able to know you can have that conversation, and someone can make sense of the jibber-jabber that you’re putting out there… (It’s) a huge difference as to what happens. The weight is off your shoulders, you feel like your brain can actually engage again.”

If individuals struggling with opioid addictions have the opportunity to talk about it without judgment, Savard believes it can help get to the route of what that person down the path of addiction.

“All of the trauma and everything did not happen overnight… It was a gradual buildup over time and at the same time, we only saw when it all blew up,” says Savard.

“It’s a dance, it’s a back and forth… It’s not like ‘bang, we got that off the to-do list, everything is good again’… it’s not, it’s a gradual back and forth, step by step process.”

Savard says removing the barriers to having open conversation is crucial to supporting those struggling with addictions.

“We need to take those tiny steps to be able to help build that positive back into their lives and help give them that foundation to help them move forward,” explains Savard.

“In the fact of, maybe not using as much, maybe using a less potent of a drug than their drug of choice… It’s little things like that, it’s the baby steps that start to become the big positives.”

Once people have support, Savard says removing the stigma is a game changer in the recovery process.

“Instead of feeling like you’re just buried by that big black cloud.”

The coalition is hosting the 4^th annual Overdose Awareness Day in September, which is kicking off in Grande Prairie on September 19 at the Montrose Cultural Centre from 4 p.m., running until 7 p.m.

Savard says the event is being held later than usual this year, as back to school is a busy time for many families.

“It’s important for all demographics and everybody in our community to come and participate in this event.”

Savard says the event will be held both indoors and outdoors and will have food trucks, guest speakers, live music, information booths and end with a candlelight vigil to remember those who have passed away from opioid overdoses.

by Abby Zieverink

Ending the stigma around addiction crucial in addressing opioid crisis: Peace Country Drug Awareness Coalition

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