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Volume 24, Issue 3 | October-November 2004

In this issue: Introduction Trends: People Trends: Modes of Use Trends: Modes of Treatment Featured AADAC Resource


Resources and links
AADAC Online Resource Catalogue Developments Archive
AADAC Websites
Home Youth Kids	Parents Teachers Tobacco

Introduction

You could say that environmental scanning is something that is done, informally, by almost anyone who has a passion for the addictions field, whether in discussions with colleagues, in reading professional journals or in following media reports related to their work. Environmental scanning is the gathering of information that helps us to construct a picture of the future so that we can prepare to some extent for the demands that are likely to arise. Forewarned, we are ready to act when change arises.

Although we can be quite certain that addiction prevention and treatment will continue to be needed, we can also be certain that there will be some change in the exact form addiction takes (types of substances or processes to which people become addicted) and in the specific characteristics of the people whom we are trying to help.

In this issue of Developments, we share the results of an AADAC exercise in environmental scanning. In addition to the usual sources (research studies; news articles; local, national and international reports; and other environmental scans), AADAC collected the views, impressions and knowledge of the commission's own employees. Staff comments often reinforced the information gathered externally, giving us a more vivid picture of present trends than second-hand sources are able to. The words of AADAC employees are interspersed throughout this issue.

Trends: People

Alberta has the fastest growing population in Canada, 2.5 times the Canadian average. The 2005 population is estimated at 3.3 million; by 2015 this should be 3.8 million. Most of this growth is the result of three factors: a rapidly growing Aboriginal population, migration from other provinces, and immigration.

Trends: Modes of Use

Society is increasingly accepting the use of a variety of drugs such as alcohol, antidepressants and minor tranquillizers to alleviate the stress of daily life and prevent illness. This is especially true for younger generations. Medical use of addictive painkilling drugs may rise as those with chronic diseases live longer and as the population ages.

It is difficult to predict sudden small-scale use of dangerous drugs like the recent increase in use of methamphetamine, but the majority of clients will continue to need help with a familiar list of substances. The most common substances used by adolescents and young adults are alcohol, tobacco and cannabis, and their use patterns foretell the addiction patterns of the future.

Trends: Modes of Treatment

The Internet will have an effect on treatment, as it has on modes of use and dissemination of addiction-related information. AADAC staff note the increasingly "wired" world has resulted in a change in public attitude: There is greater demand for instant response to communications and requests for service.

Featured AADAC Resource

Welcome to the e-Developments Featured AADAC Resource section! In every issue, we will be highlighting a resource we think everyone should know about. Whether it's a print resource like an information sheet for parents or a program guide for clients, an online resource available on our websites, or a new service being offered through AADAC offices and funded agencies, the Featured AADAC Resource will have something useful to offer.

Featured AADAC Resource

Suite 200, 10909 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5J 3M9