National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW) is November 24–30

NAAW highlights solutions to help address the harms related to the use of alcohol and other drugs. It provides an opportunity for people in Canada to learn more about prevention and harm reduction, to talk about treatment and recovery, and to discuss solutions for change. The theme for NAAW this year is Forging Connections. 

Substance use is a complex and widespread issue. Alcohol and tobacco alone account for the highest health costs and harms in Canada. Alcohol and tobacco use also intersect with the CAF culture. Alcohol and tobacco use in the CAF is higher than in the general Canadian population. This suggests the CAF also experiences high health costs and harms from substance use. 

Leaders of all ranks and CAF members: Remember, understanding substance use and related impacts is essential to minimizing risks and maintaining deployability. You are an essential support person and role model for others in your unit. Here are six tips to help get you started: 

1. Learn how to reduce the risks of substance use by connecting with your local Health Promotion Office. Also encourage those around you to do the same. 

2. Share knowledge. Reach out to your local Health Promotion Office to arrange briefings, workshops and other educational opportunities, and for support on policy. 

3. Promote substance-free activities. Participate in and encourage others to partake in substance free activities. 

4. Change the culture at your level and encourage higher levels to change too, by sharing your successes in implementing a more inclusive culture for moderate or substance-free alternatives. 

5. Encourage help-seeking. Studies show that CAF members may not seek help due to stigma, concern over career, or misinformation. Take action by encouraging help-seeking and outlining available supports: 

• From friends, family, a padre and/or a health care provider; 

• Defence Team – Mental Health and Wellness page; 

• Health Canada Get Help with Substance Use; and 

• CCSA Addictions Treatment Helplines in Canada. 

6. Model lower-risk use. The actions of leaders of all ranks influence others. If you use substances, or gamble or game yourself, assess your risk, make a change if needed with others in your unit, and set the example by following: 

• Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health; 

• Canada’s Lower Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines; 

• Canada’s Lower Risk Nicotine Use Guidelines; 

• Canada’s Lower Risk Gambling Guidelines; and 

• STF’s Tips in Game On or Game Over.