Minister Ambrose participates in national dialogue on addiction recovery in Canada

Supporting the Government's goal of prevention, treatment, and long-term recovery from addiction 

OTTAWA, Jan. 27, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health, took part in a national dialogue in Ottawa today on the subject of addiction recovery. These meetings mark an important step in the Government's efforts to advance the recovery movement in Canada and eliminate the stigma associated with recovery from substance use disorders.

The two-day National Summit on Addiction Recovery, organized by the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, brings together over 40 experts from a range of Canadian organizations devoted to recovery. Today and tomorrow, participants will discuss how to address the stigma associated with substance use disorders that prevent too many individuals and their families from seeking the help they need to achieve and maintain recovery from addiction. They will also discuss the importance of establishing evidence-based, recovery-focused policies, programs and practices that recognize addiction as a preventable and treatable disease, similar to other chronic health conditions.  

During her address, Minister Ambrose underscored the Government's commitment to support the prevention and treatment of drug addictions in Canada through the approximately $130 million the Health Portfolio invests each year in the National Anti-Drug Strategy. The Minister also applauded CCSA for its leadership role in helping to build a national voice for positive change in our attitudes towards those working to rebuild their lives and recover from substance use disorders.   

Quick Facts

• Today's national summit helps to promote long-term recovery and the health and social well-being of individuals, families and communities. It builds on the December 2013 dialogue on treatment and recovery that took place at Cedars at Cobble Hill Addiction Treatment Centre on Vancouver Island, which Minister Ambrose attended.
• It also supports a commitment in the Government's response to the Second Report of the Standing Committee on Health entitled Government's Role in Addressing Prescription Drug Abuse, to work with addiction experts, communities, and individuals to address the stigma associated with addiction and to organize a National Summit on Recovery and Addiction.
• Under the National Anti-Drug Strategy, Health Canada provides $13.2 million annually to support provincial, territorial governments and other key stakeholders to develop innovative approaches to treating and rehabilitating those with illicit and prescription drug addiction who pose a risk to themselves and the community.
• Economic Action Plan 2014 commits just over $44 million over five years to expand the focus of its National Anti-Drug Strategy from illicit drugs to include prescription drug abuse. This investment also includes support for educational measures, enhancing prevention and treatment services in Aboriginal communities and improving surveillance data on prescription drug abuse.

Quotes

"Stigma and misunderstanding still surround people with substance abuse disorders, even though we now know that addiction is a disease that can be prevented and treated, and from which people can and do recover. By improving public awareness of this condition, we can help make it easier for people battling this addiction to get the help they need." 
The Honourable Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health

"Our government continues to support treatment programs that help those struggling with addiction, along with their families, so they can safely recover and begin leading healthier lives. Preventing substance use and abuse among young people is another critical focus of our Government's National Anti-Drug Strategy. This national discussion is not only helping to raise awareness about recovery, but also promoting the message to Canadians that prevention works, treatment is effective and recovery from substance use disorders is possible."
The Honourable Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health

"This Summit is about changing how society approaches addiction – not only to eliminate the stigma, but also to improve the entirety of our treatment system, so that those who need treatment can access quality services in a way that responds to their needs. Recovery must be a paradigm that informs the entire continuum of services, from prevention and early intervention, to intensive treatment and aftercare. The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse is proud to begin this important dialogue and contribute to a vision for Canada, alongside many committed individuals and organizations from across the country."
Rita Notarandrea
Chief Executive Officer (interim)
Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse

Associated Links

Drug Treatment Funding Program
Harper Government Supports Youth Drug Prevention Projects across the Country
National Anti-Drug Strategy
Harper Government Invests in Drug Prevention Strategy for Youth – Minister Ambrose attends roundtable on treatment and recovery to listen to Canadians
Government of Canada Tackles Drug Abuse Among Teens Through New Marketing Campaign
Minister Ambrose Takes Steps to Address Safe Prescribing Practices for Drugs Prone to Abuse
Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse

Health Canada news releases are available on the Internet at: www.healthcanada.gc.ca/media 

SOURCE Health Canada

Contacts, Michael Bolkenius, Office of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Federal Minister of Health, [phone]; Media Relations: Health Canada, [phone]; Public Inquiries: [phone], 1-866 225-0709