More needs to be done for addiction awareness in Calgary
Posted Feb 3, 2014 5:11 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
An addiction specialist says the use of heroin and oxycontin is on the rise in Calgary.
Bruce Holstead, with the Fresh Start Recovery Centre says it’s a dangerous trend.
There are so many combinations that go into play; the time between the last use, the amount of the last use, who made it? Where did it come from? How was it delivered? What’s the content? It’s all a crapshoot,” says Bruce Holstead with the Fresh Start Recovery Centre.
On the heels of Philip Seymour Hoffman’s death, Holstead says sometimes the shame of overdosing gets covered up by the celebrity factor in Hollywood.
“You see all the well-wishers and the understanding peace that comes from that. That publicity piece, the family that just lost their son doesn’t get that same piece.”
He wants people to know a solution to recovery is possible.
“If there is family or individuals struggling with addiction, there is a solution possible. One of those solutions Fresh Start provides is that opportunity for a new way of life. It just takes that initial call and reaching out and asking for that help.”
