Community Program Officer talks about addictions
By Joan Janzen
An informative presentation on addictions was delivered to local volunteers and interested individuals on the evening of Thursday, March 30th, at 800 - 12th Avenue East in Kindersley. Adeel Zaman, Community Program Officer from the “F” Division Crime Prevention and Community Policing Unit in Regina, addressed the topic of addictions and drugs in our community.
Both drugs and addictions impact people in our region, and many need help to overcome these issues. The RCMP are always very helpful in explaining things to avoid and offering advice when communicating with individuals dealing with addictions. This presentation provided additional valuable information.
Adeel Zaman, Community Program Officer from “F” Division Crime Prevention, Crime Reduction Unit in Regina, spoke to volunteers in Kindersley about addictions. PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN
Zaman defined addiction as the need to have more and more of the substance. “You spend most of your time finding and using substances; you don’t have time for anything else,” he said. “After people get treatment for their addictions, they find they have no friends, connections or employment, and are tempted to go back to their addiction.”
There are legal consequences that will have an impact on a young person’s future if they are charged with illegal possession or sale of drugs. This will result in a criminal record, affecting employment and out-of-country travel.
Zaman said the classification of drugs can be broken down into three groups: stimulants (make you more hyper), depressants (slow your mind down), and hallucinogens (disrupt perception). He said the effects of hallucinogens vary from person to person but are very dangerous because they can cause people to hurt themselves or others.
Cannabis is a depressant. Regarding Cannabis, he noted those taking it beginning at a young age have a high probability of experiencing mental health issues as an adult.
He listed the four types of drugs as legal, illegal, prescription and illegal synthetic drugs. The last category includes ecstasy, acid and crystal meth.
“Crystal meth is a big problem in Saskatchewan,” Zaman said. He also noted many addicts who succumb to suicide are on crystal meth, and tolerance develops quickly. Fentanyl is sometimes mixed with other party drugs, while its consumers are unaware.
At the conclusion of the presentation, people were able to have their questions answered. When asked why young people begin using drugs, Zaman cited a number of causes: boredom, curiosity, peer pressure, to boost self-esteem or used as a coping mechanism.
Problems also arise since young people have a lower tolerance than adults.
The information was educational for everyone present and especially beneficial for volunteers and community leaders who encounter addictions while serving. It was open to anyone who was interested in attending.