ADDICTION EDUCATION PROGRAMS AT SHARE

The Share Alcohol and Drug Program is hosting a free education series
starting next week on alcohol and drug addiction.

The program is open to anyone and offers information for those who
have an alcohol or drug problem, or for those concerned about their
use. It aims to help those people affected by others' use to
understand addicts and addictive behaviour.

The meeting format consists of a video, followed by a brief
presentation and open discussion.

Topics vary from week to week, as outlined below:

Jan. 12: Use, misuse, abuse -- how people become addicted.

Jan. 19: Medical aspects and effects of alcohol and drug abuse. What
happens to the body and mind under the influence.

Jan. 26: Alcohol -- How dependence develops; controlled using;
effects on pregnant women.

- - Feb. 2: Cocaine and crystal meth -- the struggle to recover, and what
long-term recovery looks like.

- - Feb. 9: Relapse prevention -- discussion on the psychological,
emotional and physical aspects of relapsing and what can be done.

- - Feb. 16: Stress -- learning how to cope with little and big problems
without using.

- - Feb. 23: Anger -- understanding your anger and learning how to manage
it more effectively.

- - March 2: Trauma -- How substance misuse often occurs with people who
have experienced childhood abuse. How these experiences may cause
relapses or continued misuse.

- - March 9: Mental Illness, Depression and Addiction. Many people have
a substance problem and are coping with mental issues. Understanding
the links between the two issues will be tonight's goal.

- - March 16: Drinking, drugs and driving -- How the new laws will affect
you. You will learn about blood alcohol levels and how drugs impair
judgment.

- - March 23: Substance affected: How others misuse or abuse of alcohol
and drugs affects us. How to help others.

- - March 30: Stage ll recovery -- life in the future.

Sessions run Wednesdays, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Share, second floor, 2615
Clarke St., Port Moody

For more information, call 604-936-3900.