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ADDICTIONS, EXPERIENCES AND LESSONS LEARNED. YUKON SUBSTANCE USE PROBLEMS AND YUKON SOLUTIONS. RESEARCH METHODS. Public advertisements in newspapers, on the radio, and on posters displayed in Whitehorse and in the communities.
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ADDICTIONS, EXPERIENCES AND LESSONS LEARNED YUKON SUBSTANCE USE PROBLEMS AND YUKON SOLUTIONS
RESEARCH METHODS • Public advertisements in newspapers, on the radio, and on posters displayed in Whitehorse and in the communities. • Lists of people whose employment involves addressing the needs of people in trouble with alcohol or other drugs. • Solicitations of respondents with particular occupations: band council members, NAADAP workers, RCMP, social workers, and nurses. • Fortuitous encounters.
METHODS, continued • One visit each to Faro and Old Crow. Two visits to every other community. • 110 interviews • 139 participants
INTERVIEW CONTENT • Describe the current alcohol and drug situation. • What have you tried which has worked for you? • What has not worked? • What are some solutions?
THE SITUATION • Of children • Of youth • Of men and of women • Of elders
Children • Learning difficulties • Abuse • Neglect
Youth • Failure in school and dropping out of school. • Illegal drugs and illicit use of prescription drugs • Higher risk sexual activity and sexual predation • Criminal activities
Men and Women • Unemployment, with consequences similar to that of adolescents.
Elders • Sobriety for some. • Resources for the community identity and history • Issues around prescription drugs
THE SITUATION of those employed by • Yukon Territorial Government • Non-governmental agencies • Band Counsels • Federal Government • Private business/self-employed
THE SITUATION, continued • In Whitehorse • In the communities
What has not worked • Lack of partnerships between Yukon agencies and non-government organizations. • Temporary funding for temporary programs. • Legislation preventing enforcement of drug laws. • Lack of community support for enforcement of drug laws.
What has not worked, continued • Healing camps when alcohol and drugs are present. • Returning from treatment with no aftercare. • Some prescription drug use.
What has worked • Community-based, informal arrangements. • Partnerships between agencies and community groups. • Active interagency committees. • Mental health and addictions counselors. • Consistent personal and professional support to those in trouble with substances.
What has worked, continued • Alcohol and Drug Services • Medical and Social Services • RCMP • Alcoholics Anonymous • Rational Recovery • Accessing a variety of options