Montreal, November 20, 2019 – As part of the Substance Abuse Prevention Week (November 17 to 23) and the National Addictions Awareness Week (November 25 to December 1st), Portage would like to remind people that the legalization of a substance doesn’t decrease its risk of addiction.
During the last year, upon their admission, 90% of people who enter a rehabilitation program at Portage report being addicted to a legal substance. Almost 30% declared that they were dependant only to legal substances, such as alcohol, cannabis or prescription drugs (Xanax, Benzodiazepines, Dilaudid, OxyContin, etc.). 80% are polydrug users, which means that they use more than one substance.
Despite the recent legalization of cannabis, the introduction of edible cannabis and the growing access to prescription drugs that can lead to addiction issues are a great concern to addiction experts across the country.
Portage firmly believes that the government must equip organizations that help people with dependencies by further investing in prevention and rehabilitation centres.
“Regardless of the substance, addiction destroys lives and families. On a daily basis at Portage, we see the devastating effects that addiction has on people’s lives, their mental and physical health. Relatively easy access to a range of legal substances is a real problem for men and women who are trying to overcome their dependency.” said Peter A. Howlett, President of Portage.
About Portage
For 46 years, Portage has helped thousands of people free themselves from their dependence. The organisation provides addiction treatment services specifically geared to the needs of adults, adolescents, expectant mothers and mothers with young children, as well as individuals with mental health issues. Portage’s rehabilitation programs provide quality services that are free of charge and are certified by Accreditation Canada.
Portage operates substance abuse treatment centers across Québec, with facilities in Montreal, Prévost (the Laurentians), Québec City, and Saint-Malachie (Chaudière-Appalaches). Other establishments serve the populations of Ontario and Atlantic Canada. For more information, please visit www.portage.ca.
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