Saskatchewan Marks National Addictions Awareness Week: New Treatment Spaces and Initiatives Announced
National Addictions Awareness Week: November 24-30, 2024
The Government of Saskatchewan recognizes November 24 to 30 as National Addictions Awareness Week. This week highlights the harm caused by addictions and encourages discussions about treatment and recovery options.
Mental Health and Addictions Minister Lori Carr stated, “This week is an opportunity to talk about the harm caused by addictions, as well as treatment and recovery options for those who are struggling with addictions.” She also mentioned the addition of 215 new treatment spaces to help residents in their recovery journey.
New Treatment Spaces
The Action Plan for Mental Health and Addictions, announced in October 2023, includes plans to add 500 new treatment spaces over five years. The 215 new spaces are as follows:
- 15 spaces at Muskwa Lake
- 15 inpatient treatment spaces and 2 withdrawal management spaces at Thorpe Recovery Centre near Lloydminster
- 26 post-treatment spaces at St. Joseph’s Addiction Recovery Centre in Estevan
- 32 intensive outpatient treatment spaces at Possibilities Recovery Center in Saskatoon
- 14 inpatient addiction treatment spaces at Poundmaker’s Lodge in North Battleford
- 60 treatment spaces at Willowview Recovery Centre in Lumsden
- 15 withdrawal management spaces at Onion Lake
- 36 virtual spaces through EHN Canada
Carr expressed pride in exceeding the initial target of 200 spaces by March 2025.
Improved Access to Medications
The Action Plan also enhances access to medications for those in recovery. Suboxone dissolving film strips are now a regular benefit on the Saskatchewan Drug Formulary. These strips help reduce cravings for people with opioid addiction. Additionally, Sublocade has been added as a regular benefit, making it easier for patients.
Making these medications more accessible can help manage withdrawal symptoms and support recovery.
Pillars of the Action Plan
The new Action Plan has three main goals:
- Build capacity for treatment.
- Improve the treatment system.
- Transition to a recovery-focused care system for addiction treatment.
In the past year, Saskatchewan launched a Provincial Drug Alert System to raise awareness about the dangers of illicit drugs and toxic substances that increase the risk of overdose.
Get Support
For more information about alcohol and drug supports, visit saskatchewan.ca/addictions.
To learn about overdose prevention, visit saskatchewan.ca/overdose.
-30-