ELORA – Substance abuse treatment centre Portage is reminding the community the legalization of a substance doesn’t decrease its risk of addiction.
During the last year, upon admission, 90 per cent of people who entered a rehabilitation program at Portage reported being addicted to a legal substance.
Almost 30% declared that they were dependant only to legal substances, such as alcohol, cannabis or prescription drugs (Xanax, Benzodiazepines, Dilaudid, OxyContin, etc.). Eighty per cent are polydrug users which means that they use more than one substance.
“As part of National Addictions Awareness Week (Nov. 25 to Dec. 1), Portage would like to remind people that the legalization of a substance doesn’t decrease its risk of addiction,” read a recent Portage press release.
Despite the recent legalization of cannabis, the introduction of edible cannabis and the growing access to prescription drugs that can lead to addiction issues are a great concern to addiction experts across the country.
Portage said it firmly believes the government must equip organizations by further investing in prevention and rehabilitation centres.
“Regardless of the substance, addiction destroys lives and families.” said Portage president Peter A. Howlett.
