On March 8, Portage marked International Women’s Rights Day, a perfect opportunity to reflect on the issues women face in various aspects of their lives. The issue of women and addiction is often misunderstood, not to mention taboo. Women often struggle with addiction on their own for fear of being stigmatized and judged and because… Read more »
Over the past few years, more and more young people have been buying drugs through major social media platforms. Online access to drugs has become extremely easy and the overwhelming majority of dealers who supply substance-dependent youth operate via social networks. Quick Access to Increasingly Dangerous Substances The growth of social networks has… Read more »
Anyone can become addicted to drugs or alcohol, even celebrities. Some choose to speak openly about their road to recovery. Here are five celebrities who battled their demons and now offer hope and motivation to those who are still struggling. Bradley Cooper: I got sober at 29 years old, and you know, I’ve been sober… Read more »
Recovery day, which is celebrated every year on September 30, helps raise awareness about the complexity of addiction while also sending an important message: you can overcome addiction. People from all over the world talk about their journey, their challenges and their victories, providing hope and inspiration to those still battling addiction. This article details… Read more »
A recently published report by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) states ʺIn 2020, we estimate substance use (SU) cost people in Canada more than $49 billion and led to the loss of over 200 lives every dayʺ. Between healthcare costs, loss of productivity, changing consumption patterns and increasingly toxic illicit and… Read more »
The health risks linked to excessive alcohol use are well-known and have been the focus of numerous awareness campaigns. But it’s not always easy to assess your alcohol consumption. Below are guidelines you can use to determine if you have an alcohol problem. 1. Determine how much you’re drinking Start by counting… Read more »
They are practical, odorless, less expensive, easy to get and more discreet. Electronic cigarettes have become ubiquitous in Canadian society and among young people in just a few years. Though they may seem slightly less harmful than tobacco, e-cigarettes are fraught with several known risks and hazards still poorly understood. The e-cigarette device heats a… Read more »
Are all drug users criminals? The debate came up once again in Canada following a request by several public health researchers and police forces dealing with the current devastating opioid crisis. While Oregon has become the first American state to vote for the decriminalization of all drugs, other examples have put into question whether decriminalization… Read more »
Recent questions about caring for young adults battling drug and alcohol addiction are changing mindsets about where these young people belong in social and health services. Portage considered this matter and has now extended its adolescent program in Eastern Quebec to cater to young adults aged 18 to 21 as of March 2021. The New… Read more »
There is a strong connection between addiction and mental health disorders and the two are often mutually sustaining. People with this dual diagnosis often have to contend with a lack of available resources, a slow-moving system, and isolation. An Overstretched System On March 3, 2020, the Ontario Health Minister announced an unprecedented 25-million-dollar investment to… Read more »
