The 2nd Floor Women’s Recovery Centre Puts Addiction Issues on the Spotlight

Coldlakesun.com reports that The 2nd Floor Women’s Recovery Centre and the Lakeland Centre for FASD hosted an indoor BBQ and had a presentation that highlighted the purpose of National Addiction Week (NAAW).  The 2nd Floor is was founded in June 2012 and they provide supports and services for women affected by addiction.  To date, they have served 77 women from across Alberta who have sought treatment for a drug or alcohol-related problems.

On Nov. 18, the 2nd Floor Women’s Recovery Centre put the spotlight on addiction.

Each year for a week in November, the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA) joins organizations across the country in honouring National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW).

During NAAW, organizations host free events and presentations to bring attention to addiction.

It provides an opportunity for Canadians to learn more about substance abuse prevention, talk about treatment and recovery and work towards positive change.

According to the CCSA, “addiction is a chronic health condition that affects individuals, families and communities”. With the proper support and education, addiction is preventable and treatable, and long-term recovery is attainable and sustainable.

This year, NAAW will be observed across the country from Nov. 15 to 21 with the theme of “Addiction matters”.

Locally, the 2nd Floor and the Lakeland Entre for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will be kicking off Cold Lake’s first annual NAAW event.

The 2nd Floor is operated by the Lakeland Centre for FASD.

Since the 2nd Floor was founded in June 2012, they’ve provided programs and services for women affected by addiction. To date, they’ve served 77 women from across Alberta who have sought treatment for a drug or alcohol-related problem.

“Our mission is to help women break the cycle of addiction and reduce the number of babies born prenatally exposed to alcohol and drugs,” said Katherine Lobb, human resources assistant at the 2nd Floor.

While they welcome any women, the program targets those between the ages of 15 to 25 who are pregnant or at risk of becoming pregnant.

“That age group is because most women in that age group are having their first or second child. So we’re trying to get to them before they have numerous children with an FASD diagnosis,” said Lobb.

“But we’ve had women in here as old as 70. As long as we have the room and we don’t have too long of a waiting list, any women are welcome.”

While the 2nd Floor is geared towards women battling alcohol and drug addictions, during NAAW they will be hosting an addictions awareness event that will educate the public on all forms of addiction and cater to both men and women of any age.

On Nov. 18, the Lakeland Centre for FASD and 2nd Floor will host an indoor barbecue and have a presentation that will put the spotlight on the purpose of NAAW.

According to Lobb , the presentation will highlight all forms of addiction.

“We’ll have different people here who can (answer) questions and we’ll let people know what substance abuse is, what it looks like, and the different types of addiction.

“There is substance related addiction like alcohol or drugs there’s your behavioural or process addictions which are things like gambling and sex addiction and video games,” said Lobb.

Lobb encourages anyone to attend the event, whether they themselves are battling an addiction or they have a loved one who is affected.

“Addictions can affect everybody. Even if you yourself doesn’t have an addiction, addiction is a chronic health condition and it affects individuals, families and communities,” said Lobb. “Cold Lake is still a fairly small community, your neighbour could have an addiction or your friend or your co-worker and it’s just good to be able to understand what addiction is and how you can help or even just reach out to let them know that you’re there for them and that you could help them out.”

Disclaimer:  The views and opinions in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of Edmonton and Area Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Network.

Source:  http://www.coldlakesun.com/2015/11/16/centre-hoping-to-teach-community-about-addiction