The Northwest Territories Rises Up Against Drugs

Written by Cassie Licari & Dominique Houle on 16/09/10

Photo by NotUs.ca and Dominique Houle

The Northwest Territories has launched an awesome anti-drug campaign called NOT US, which aims to abolish hard drugs and their effects on communities. NOT US wants to kick drugs out of the NWT for good, because cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana and ecstasy have all had a destructive influence on the lives and communities of its citizens. The north is ready to stand up to substance abuse, before more dangerous types of drugs like methamphetamines (crystal meth) poison their society (NOT US).

NOT In Our Town!

In Canada, the prevalence of drug abuse is much higher for youth than it is for older age groups (Health Canada); therefore spreading the word to other young people is important. For this reason, NOT US also encourages other communities in Canada to get involved and start their own NOT US anti-drug campaigns. Because drugs are harmful to communities and affect everyone living there, they can only be eliminated if people of all ages band together.

Here are some great ideas that NOT US gives on how to spread the word about drugs in your community:

• Start a sports team. Make NOT US jerseys for all of the players.
• Hold NOT US events for drug awareness.
• Open the schools at night so young people have a safe place to go. Promote the events using NOT US posters.

For more ideas on how to get started click here!

NOT you!

NOT US and the Alberta Health Services have provided some helpful information on how you can determine if you might have a drug problem:

• Your drug use has increased since you first started using.
• You are using illegal drugs or having the same drug prescribed by more than one doctor.
• You need to take drugs to help you through new situations or social occasions.
• You can’t remember things you have said or done while using drugs.
• You spend more and more time with people that use drugs.
• You cover up or lie about your drug use.
• You have problems or miss time at work or school because of your drug use.
• You have relationship problems with your spouse/children/parents because of your drug use.
• You only go to parties or places where drugs are available.
• Your drug use is causing financial problems.
• You have legal problems because of your drug use.
• You have hurt yourself or someone else while under the influence of drugs.
• You have tried to cut down or stop taking drugs but couldn’t.
• You have increased risk-taking behavior (e.g. sharing needles, having unprotected sex).
• You break promises to others because of your drug use.
• Someone has told you they are concerned about your drug use.

Click here to learn about the risks of drug abuse. Also, take a look here for information on symptoms of drug abuse in others, and how you can help.

This website also has contact information for helplines and substance abuse treatment programs in your province or territory. You can also call and talk to a counselor from the Kids Help Phone (toll-free and anonymously) or talk to one online; they will be able to guide you on your way back to a healthy lifestyle.

The NOT US campaign is a great initiative coming out of the Northwest Territories. It truly is an inspiration for all of Canada’s provinces and territories to spread the word about the problems that drugs can cause in communities, and to work together in achieving a drug-free society.

LINKS

NOT US
DEAL.org: Drugs
Health Canada
Drug Prevention Network of Canada
Alberta Health Services
Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse
National Anti-Drug Strategy
Proud2bnwt.ca