The launch of a resource list for people with loved ones facing addiction drew about 60 people to the Exhibition Hall. (Rob Mahon/paNOW Staff)

By Rob Mahon

Addiction Toolkit

Nursing students, researchers launch addiction help toolkit for Prince Albert

Nov 2, 2022 | 2:00 PM

An event, years in the making and often pushed back by COVID-19, finally launched at the Prince Albert Exhibition Hall Wednesday morning. About 60 people attended the launch of a resource toolkit for families affected by substance use.

The toolkit, which includes education packets and cards with a list of resources, is intended for those who know someone struggling with addiction. Given the prevalence of addictions in Prince Albert, it’s not surprising so many people came to attend the launch.

“We’ve got over 60 people and it’s a snowy cold morning at the beginning of winter,” said John Kreiser, a volunteer at the event and retired addiction counselor. “We have a lot of students from the nursing program, which is exciting to see the young people here. We’ve got a good cross-section of the community.”

The event kicked off at 9:30 in the morning and lasted until 12:30. Nursing students and researchers at the University of Saskatchewan had been trying to set up the event for years, and according to Kreiser, it couldn’t have come at a better time.

“It’s extremely challenging right now because of the impact of crystal meth and opioids,” said Kreiser. “Of course, we also see the rise of gangs, and that has changed the nature of addiction. It’s also created an extra level of violence.”

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Part of the first half of the conversation was trying to find solutions to the rising problems of gangs and addictions, but those aren’t easy problems to solve. For Kreiser, preventing people from becoming involved with gangs and drugs in the first place is a big part of the solution.

“We need to rebuild our families, we need to rebuild our communities,” Kreiser said. “We need to look at recreation. If a child is interested in music, or art, or let’s say karate, let’s find a way to get some lessons for this kid.”

In the past, Kreiser pointed out they had to find creative solutions for dealing with alcohol abuse and change the conversation around it. He’s confident they can eventually do the same with addiction to drugs such as crystal meth. Adding addiction workers to the emergency room at the hospital was a big step forward in his mind.

“Coming together to talk about solutions and strategies gives you hope and gives you an opportunity to move forward,” Kreiser said.

Eventually, researchers plan to have addiction-related resources in doctor’s offices in Prince Albert and available online.

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rob.mahon@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RobMahonPxP