A rising concern in Swift Current and the rest of the world is addictions and mental health.

With the last couple of pandemic-focused years highlighting the importance of mental health, and the more recent increase in overdoses shining a light on addiction, it's a good time to look at what resources are available. 

Speaking to how people struggling with addiction have opportunities and programs available to them is Curtis Newton. Newton is the Primary Healthcare manager for the southwest, including Swift Current. 

"First of all," began Newton. "I would like to highlight the existing and ongoing services for people looking for help with mental health and addictions."

Straight away, Newton directs people seeking help to the Mental Health and Addiction Intake Line (81-877-329-0005). The people on the other end of the line are equipped to assist people in seeking the help required. 

Of course, if anyone is in immediate need of care, related to mental health or addiction, they should always go to the hospital first. 

"We have recently increased services locally to assist people who use drugs and alcohol to access the services they need," said Newton. "We have designed services that incorporate a spectrum of strategies for safer use, managed use, abstinence, and meeting people where they're at."

The wonderful thing about these services is that they aren't there to force anyone down one specific path to recovery or safety. Addiction is tricky, and they have developed methods of dealing with all the intricacies involved in treating it. 

In an effort to help more readily treat folks, they have opened up a few new positions. One of which is the new Harm Reduction Health Educator position with the expanded Harm Reduction Services. 

"They will be the liaison between local Sask. Health programming and other community groups, such as the Drug Action Strategy Committee," shared Newton. "They also provide education on the safe use of take-home naloxone kits for both staff and the public.

Take-home naloxone kits reduce and help reverse the effects of opioids. If an individual will be using, having these kits on hand can help to prevent a fatality in the event of an overdose. 

Another new position that has been opened up is that of the Behavioral Health Consultant. Three such positions have been in the local family doctor's offices. 

"These primary healthcare counsellors are co-located in the doctor's office to allow for coordinated and connected mental health and addiction support," described Newton. "If you feel like you need this service, you can discuss this with your local family doctor. They can connect you if appropriate." 

If anyone is uncomfortable with hospitals or the doctor's office, there is still an option available. 

"We have a new home-based withdrawal program that allows people who wish to discontinue using alcohol and drugs to safely do so at home with nurses specially trained to support them," said Newton.

Incorporating various different counselling services and support sessions,  this program is also connected to the Matrix Intensive Outpatient Program. 

"Those are kind of the newer programming approaches that we have," said Newton. "I think that we're really excited about those programs."

They also are willing to talk to folks struggling with living alongside an individual struggling with addiction or mental health. Calling in and discussing that situation is also encouraged.