Sunday, November 4, 1990 - North Shore News - 25 Most “Canadians have had bad experiences with alcohol Consumption is down, _ but liquor problems remain OVER HALF of all adult Canadians have been in- sulted or disturbed by someone who has. been drinking. More than a third have been in serious arguments as a result of alcohol, or been a passenger with a drunk driver at some time in their lives. About one fifth have experienced family problems or been assaulied as a result of someone else’s alcohol use. This news comes from a recent federal government survey on alcohol and drug use in Canada. Over 11,500 Canadians were surveyed by telephone and more than three-quarters agreed to par- ticipate. Most respondents thought it acceptable for others to have one or two social drinks, but it was not permissible to show the effects, Similarly, co- they thought workers should not drink at lunch and nearly half thought the same about after-work drinking or drinking at sports and recreational events, Sixteen per cent had lost friends due to alcohol use. Eight per cent had property vandalized and three per cent had financial difficulties as a result of another person‘s drinking. Nurses notice that when alcohol or other drugs become important, people tend to fit their fives around that interest. Each of us has a personal view of alcoho] and other drug use, highty colored by our own experience. For this reason, the national survey restores perspective and shows trends. Seventy-eight per cent of adult Canadians report alcohol use within the last 12 months, down from 82 per cent of the popula- tion 10 years ago. Since 1980, the sale of alcoholic beverages also Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacists are dedicated to being a vital part of your community health care team. We take pleasure in answering your questions, whether they be about a specific medication or any health care product. We really are approachable. So take some time to get to know us. We're good people to talk to. indicates a steady reduction in consumption. Survey results for prescription drugs, however, were more com- plex. Use of tranquilizers shows a downward trend, but sleeping pill consumption shows little change. Older men and women report the highest use, and elderly women receive almost half of the total prescriptions each year. Cannabis (marijuana or hashish) — the most commonly used illicit drug in Canada — shows a recent decline in use. Overall, 6.5 per cent of the popu- lation currently uses cannabis and one-quarter of these people use it once a week or more. However, 1.4 per cent of the population currently uses cocaine, which is an increase. Younger adults use illicit SE Ge Ct So West Van Lynn Valley North Van drugs the most, and men rather than women. Different parts of the study will hold interest for different people. We are drawn to the areas that have most meaning for us. Despite national percentages, though, any misuse of alcohol and drugs has very serious implications for everyone involved. if you find yourself needing a better understanding of your own situation, or the situation of those around you, nurses recommend you contact your local health unit (under Health in the blue pages of the telephone directory) or the Alcohol and Drug Clinic (in the blue pages under Alcohol and Crug Programs). Information on a host of drug-related issues can be made available to you. Capilano Mail North Van Get more drug info NEED HELP or information about substance abuse? Call the TRYLINE. Each month, about 1,000 people do. They’re calling to learn more about prevention, treatment or community groups that are working towards the prevention of alcohol or other drug abuse. The TRYLINE is B.C.'s toll-free alcohol/drug informa- tion referral service and com- munity information line. The TRYLINE, a 24-hour resource, is available to anyone in B.C. by calling 1-800-663-1441. Whether it's a parent want- ing a referral to a support group or a teenager asking about the dangers of using drugs, TRYLINE offers in- formation on substance abuse issues. TRYLINE is an integral part of TRY — The Responsibility is Yours — the provincial gov- ernment’s comprehensive pro- gram for the prevention and treatment of substance abuse. ‘CHUCK WILLETT BENSON JARZYNA } NORMA McLEOD BRIAN BIRD 16th & Marine Park Royal West Van "Everything y you want in tin a drugstore.