Supporting people in Princeton to overcome cravings for alcohol will transform the lives of individuals and their families, reduce pressure on the Princeton health care system, and help a community recover.
“We know alcohol use is a root cause of so many social issues, many of which have been exacerbated by the floods in Princeton,” said Aaron McRann, executive director of the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen, which is co-hosting a free workshop for community leaders to learn about alcohol use disorder, new treatment options, and to find ways to pitch in to support recovery.
“We want people to know that no matter your role in the community, you can help with individual and community transformation.”
This workshop is one of the ways the community foundation is reaching Princeton residents so they are better equipped to support individuals who are suffering from alcohol use disorder and who may want to try an approach that eliminates cravings but doesn’t require abstinence.
This approach starts with a visit to a physician and nurse practitioner’s office, and complements other care such as counselling, recovery support groups, community services and more.
“We hope more people will start to understand alcohol use disorder as an entirely treatable medical condition – not a moral failing or a sign of weakness,” said McRann.
“This is a huge mindset shift for many of us,” added Lori Motluk, board chair of the Canadian AUD Society, co-hosting this workshop. “We don’t blame people for having a heart condition or Parkinson’s. We shouldn’t blame people for alcohol addiction either.”
Medical researchers have known since the mid-1990s that alcohol use disorder is a medical condition that causes some people’s brains to become wired to intensely crave alcohol – something that can happen at any point in a person’s life, for a number of different reasons related to biology, environmental factors or trauma.
Researchers have also known that alcohol use is treatable with medication, but deep social stigma has meant that only one per cent of sufferers receive proper medical treatment.
The upcoming community leaders workshop is designed to change that statistic. “We’re inviting first responders, educators, employers, community services, support groups, politicians and many more community members to come together to really start a conversation about what we can do to promote recovery for more people,” said McRann.
If you are a community leader in Princeton (in health, education, justice, government, traditional/spiritual/wellness support groups, or community services) and are interested in attending this free workshop, please email communications@cfso.net.
Heather Allen is the communications director for the Canadian Alcohol Use Disorder Society, a national nonprofit, which advocates for a more effective and compassionate approach to treating alcohol use disorder as a medical condition. The organization was formed in Penticton and is proud to collaborate with a variety of health care organizations, and work in partnership with the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen.
Related: Princeton resident finds success eliminating cravings for alcohol with new approach
Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email:andrea.demeer@similkameenspotlight.com
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