Over the past year, a number of local organizations and groups have moved forward—facing and overcoming challenges and barriers—to step closer to their shared vision of helping some of Nanaimo’s poorest and most vulnerable citizens
On our program this week, we focus on three initiatives that have persevered and emerged with new locations, services, and/or facilities—and a shared “new lease on life”. Join us for our discussion with leaders from three Nanaimo people-focused organizations… (more…)
The British Columbia Medical Association has called for a full continuum of care for addictions in B.C. A policy paper released earlier this year also recommends that addiction be officially recognized by government as a chronic illness.
We speak with Dr. Shao-Hua Lu, the paper’s lead author and chair of BCMA’s Council on Health Promotion.
Safer crack cocaine use kits a harm reduction hard sell
The smoking of crack cocaine is a relatively neglected public health problem in Canada, in comparison with injection drug use. Crack smoking involves particular risks and harms, including possible infectious disease transmission, which underlines the need for targeted interventions. One pragmatic grassroots intervention that has only recently begun or been discussed in several Canadian cities is the distribution of ‘safer crack use kits’, which provide hardware for crack smoking devices along with harm reduction information.* (more…)
“Most addictive drug ever” is also considered the most destructive
It has been described as a ‘hideously destructive substance’…and ‘the most addictive drug in the world’. Methamphetamine is a drug with high potential for widespread abuse—due to the portability of its manufacture. Canada’s meth problem is worst in British Columbia and a recent survey suggests that one in five B.C. students know of someone who has used it.
We speak with Mark McLaughlin, of Crystal Meth BC, about prevention and education efforts. And, Ewan K shares his personal story. (more…)
Three interviews focused on drugs, from the world-wide war on drugs to the local gangs selling illegal substances
Interviews with former provincial court judge Jerry Paradis, senator Larry Campbell, and street gangs expert Michael Chettleburgh.
Provincial courts handle about 95% of Canada’s criminal cases. Jerry Paradis is a former B.C. provincial court judge and a member of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAF). We speak with him about government “get tough” approaches. (more…)
Concurrent disorders are more widespread than we realize—and in combination they make for unique challenges
Concurrent disorders—the combination of a mental illness and substance use disorder—are much more widespread than many people realize. It is generally estimated that around half of people with an addiction or mental illness will also have the other. People with concurrent disorders often fall through the cracks of the health care system. [Source: BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information] (more…)
