AwareNL

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Why Funding School-Based Drug Awareness and Mental Health Programs Beats Dashboards for Overdose Tracking

In the ongoing battle against substance abuse, policymakers are often faced with difficult decisions about where to allocate limited resources. Recently, officials proposed creating a dashboard to track overdose deaths across our province—a tool intended to provide real-time data on the opioid crisis and other drug-related fatalities. While understanding trends in overdose deaths is undoubtedly…

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How the Upcoming Federal and Newfoundland Elections Should Combat the Opioid Crisis

The recent report from Newfoundland and Labrador’s Chief Medical Examiner’s Office is nothing short of alarming: drug toxicity deaths are at an all-time high, with 74 fatalities in 2023 and 83 in 2024. Cocaine and fentanyl are the primary culprits, but increasingly potent and unpredictable synthetic opioids are also making their way into the illicit drug supply, exacerbating the crisis. These…

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What Would a Implemented National Mental Health Transfer Look Like in Canada?

The idea of a National Mental Health Transfer (NMHT) has been gaining traction in Canada, particularly as the demand for mental health services continues to rise. Advocates argue that, much like the Canada Health Transfer, a dedicated NMHT would ensure stable, predictable funding for mental health care, helping to close gaps in access and reduce wait times. But what would a fully implemented NMHT…

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Mental Health and Addiction in Canadian Politics: A Deep Dive into Party Policies

Mental health and addiction are among the most pressing public health challenges facing Canada today. With rising rates of mental illness, an ongoing opioid crisis, and persistent barriers to care, political parties have increasingly prioritized these issues in their platforms. However, approaches vary significantly—from harm reduction strategies to increased funding for treatment programs. In…

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Why Mental Health and Addiction Should Be a Key Election Issue in Canada

Mental health and addiction should be a key election issue in Canada because they represent a pressing public health crisis with far-reaching economic, social, and moral consequences. Here’s why this matters and why voters should demand action from political leaders. A Public Health Crisis Mental health issues and addiction touch a significant portion of Canadians. Over 20% of the…

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Breaking Barriers: Women, Mental Health, and Addiction Recovery

Honoring International Women’s Day On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women around the world. Yet, it’s also a time to acknowledge the unique challenges women face—especially when it comes to mental health and addiction recovery. #IWD2025 #AccelerateAction

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Behind every statistic is a person—a friend, a family member, a neighbor—fighting addiction or mental health struggles. NL’s current approach isn’t enough. Join me in signing this petition to demand better care and compassion: https://win.newmode.net/awarenl/drugaddictionandmentalhealthadvocacy #SignForChange"

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Breaking the Chains: A Call to Action for Addiction and Mental Health Support

Every day, countless individuals battle a silent war—one fought in the mind, in the body, and in the very fabric of their existence. Addiction and mental health struggles do not discriminate; they touch people from all walks of life. Yet, despite their prevalence, many who suffer still feel alone, ashamed, and without hope. This needs to change. The Stigma Must End One of the greatest barriers…

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Two Years...and counting

It’s hard to believe that almost two years have passed since we lost my nephew. As I sit down to write this, I feel a mix of emotions—love, sadness, and a deep longing for the light he brought into our lives. This post serves as a tribute to him, a reflection of my grief, and an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges of addiction that so many face. He was more than just my nephew;…

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Breaking Barriers: Addressing Mental Health and Addiction Advocacy Challenges in Rural Communities

Mental health and addiction advocacy groups in rural areas face significant challenges that hinder their ability to provide effective support. Despite the growing awareness of mental health and substance use disorders, individuals in rural areas often struggle to access the care they need due to systemic barriers. Understanding these challenges is the first step toward creating innovative…

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Advocating for Compassion in Addiction Recovery

Addiction is a deeply complex issue, often misunderstood and stigmatized by society. Instead of recognizing it as a medical condition that requires empathy and treatment, many people see it as a failure of character or discipline. This perception not only isolates individuals struggling with addiction but also creates barriers to effective recovery. It is time for a paradigm shift. By advocating…

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Why Addicts Relapse and How to Overcome It

Addiction recovery is a journey, not a destination. For many people struggling with addiction, relapse can feel like a failure. However, relapse is a common part of the recovery process, and understanding why it happens and how to overcome it can provide hope and tools for long-term success. Why Do Addicts Relapse? Relapse occurs when someone returns to substance use after a period of sobriety.…

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Breaking the Silence: Mental Health and Addiction in Newfoundland

Newfoundland, with its breathtaking landscapes and resilient communities, has always been a symbol of strength and endurance. But beneath this rugged exterior lies a hidden battle—a growing epidemic of mental health struggles and drug addiction that is devastating individuals, families, and entire communities. The connection between mental health and addiction is undeniable, and in…

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Understanding the Rising Tide of Substance Abuse Among Young People

Substance abuse among young people is not just a societal concern—it’s a pressing crisis that demands immediate attention. With more adolescents and young adults succumbing to the allure of substances, it’s essential to delve into the reasons behind this growing epidemic. The answers are multifaceted, revealing a complex interplay of personal, social, and systemic factors. 1. Mental Health…

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Combating the Opioid Crisis in Newfoundland and Labrador: Protecting Young Lives

The opioid crisis has left a devastating mark across Newfoundland and Labrador, with young people increasingly falling victim to its deadly grip. Families, doctors, therapists, and government officials must unite to create a multi-faceted approach to save lives and prevent future tragedies. Here are actionable steps each group can take to address this pressing issue. Families: Building Awareness…

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The Urgent Need for a Mental Health Advocate in Newfoundland’s Prison System

The conversation around mental health has grown significantly in recent years, yet one area remains sorely neglected: the mental health of incarcerated individuals. In Newfoundland and Labrador, where the prison system grapples with systemic challenges, the absence of dedicated mental health advocacy compounds the struggles faced by inmates. It’s time we address this oversight and fight for the…

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The Double-Edged Sword: Social Media and Mental Health

In a world where connection is just a tap away, social media has become an integral part of our lives. It’s where we share our milestones, explore ideas, find entertainment, and build communities. But lurking beneath the glossy filters and viral trends lies a complex and often toxic relationship between social media and our mental health. The Promise of Connection At its core, social media was…