Saving Lives: The Fight Against Youth Addiction and Overdoses in BC

In British Columbia, there’s growing concern about youth addiction and rising overdoses. The numbers are alarming, showing more young people becoming caught up in addiction problems. Samira Gholami, a volunteer TV host and advocate for youth education, is deeply involved in raising awareness about these issues. She believes that educating both parents and youth is crucial. "By providing them with the right information early on, we can help prevent drug use before it starts," she says.

Recently, Samira discussed these important matters of addiction and educating families for their youth with Dr. Majidreza Pourmand, a specialist in naturopathic medicine and cardiology.

During their conversation, they also addressed concerns about vaping and cannabis use among young people. While these substances might seem harmless, they can lead to more serious addiction problems. They discussed how to recognize signs of addiction in youth, such as changes in behaviour or declining grades. They emphasized the need for improved support systems and facilities to assist young people dealing with addiction.

Dr. Pourmand highlighted a new nasal spray version of naloxone, a medicine that can save lives by reversing overdoses more easily. He mentioned that in case of an overdose, having access to these packages can be crucial.

Samira and Dr. Pourmand also discussed breaking down the stigma surrounding addiction. Many families hesitate to seek help due to shame or fear of judgment. "Overcoming these barriers is crucial to ensuring people get the help they need to recover," Dr. Pourmand noted.

In summary, addressing youth addiction requires education, support, and understanding. By working together, we can create healthier communities where young people can thrive without falling into addiction traps.

Link:

https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/alcohol-and-drug-use-young-people

Link:

https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/mental-health-substance-use/substance-use

Volunteer Host:

Samira Gholami, BA, MA Candidate Psychotherapist, Co-Founder, Director of Operations Member of (CCPA)

Producer and Journalist:

Sherry Soltani

Skyrise Media Society