We believe by increasing awareness and education about alcohol/drug use and abuse we will encourage the citizens of our County to make healthy lifestyle choices.

The Community Action Group advocates responsible use of legal substances and non-use of illicit (illegal) substances among all citizens of Victoria County through the promotion of healthy lifestyle practices.
 
 

We plan and participate in Drug Awareness Week activities.

We strive to build consensus and reduce duplication of efforts through coordination of local alcohol and drug awareness activities. In turn, this effort helps to ensure cost effective use of community resources.

We hold monthly open meetings for anyone interested in being a member of the Victoria County Community Action Group.
 

As in any other Canadian community, drug problems are real in Victoria County. The legal, economic, social, and emotional costs of drug use touches everyone in our community.
 

You can make a difference!

Interested citizens throughout the County are needed to represent their communities - please participate - and help us as we work together to encourage healthy lifestyle choices about alcohol and drugs in our County.

For more information on our Community Action Group, please call the Health Unit at 324-3569.
 

Facts

Alcohol is a drug which, with increased use, can lead to dependency and other health, legal and social problems. Research shows that alcohol slows people down, lowers concentration, and reduces productivity, which may have a significant impact on one's work performance. If you choose to consume alcohol, you can keep your risk of problems low by having no more than one to two drinks in any day.
 

Crack (Cocaine) is highly addictive after first use.

Senior citizens use twice as many sleeping pills and tranquilizers as the general population (ARF, 1994).

Cannabis (marijuana) is the most frequently used illicit drug which can result in impaired memory, halluncinations, and risk of lung cancer.

Recent studies (ARF, 1995) have shown a significant increase in the prevalence of student drug use (Grades 7-13) for these specific drugs:

* cigarettes (to 27.9%)

* cannabis (to 22.7%)

* glue (to 2.4%)

* speed (to 4.6%)

* hallucinogens other than PCP or LSD (to 7.6%)

* PCP (to 1.7%)

* cocaine (to 2.4%)

* ecstasy (to 1.8%).

In ARF's 1995 Student Drug Use Survey, the proportion of adolescent students who reported driving within one hour of drinking two or more drinks increased from 20.4% in 1993 to 24.4% in 1995