Alcohol treatment in North West Territories

The Northwest Territories have seen their share of problems with alcohol abuse and the addiction it creates.  There is unfortunately a lack of alcohol treatments in Northwest Territories and many people need help in treating their alcohol addiction. There are less than 10 treatments available in Northwest Territories and so more people need to start their own alcohol treatment centres if we wish to truly get rid of alcohol addiction in Northwest Territories. It does not take much to bring about some much needed help in the province.

Northwest Territories Alcohol Statistics

There are about 78 percent of the population of the Northwest Territories who are currently drinking alcohol. In 2006, there was a study done on the entirety of the Northwest Territories in order to see how much alcohol the people drink and other facts about alcohol in the province. But in those 78 percent, there are 29 percent of them who said they drank more than once every week. There were 17 percent of the people who drank once a week in average. The rest (55 percent) drink less that once a week. There are 35 percent who say that they often drink 5 or more drinks on one occasion. Another 23 percent said that they often drank 3 to 4 drinks in a single setting. This is pretty alarming because drinking often and drinking a lot can lead to serious consequences. There are risks of getting addicted and getting their organs damaged (such as the liver).

The study also showed that people between the age of 15 and 24 years old are the ones who most often binge drink. It also found that males partake in binge drinking more than females do. The study showed that 14 percent of the drinkers participate in binge drinking at least once a week. There are also 37 percent of the people who engage in what we call hazardous drinking. This can result in very big problems and can injure some people.

There is also a phenomenon with the Aboriginal people in the Northwest Territories. The Aboriginals are more prone to binge drinking than the non-Aboriginals. But a good sign is that the proportion of Aboriginals who drink 5 or more drinks in one sitting went from 61 percent to 50 percent. This is a good sign but is also a rude awakening as 50 percent is a lot. There are 37 percent of the Aboriginal current drinkers that binge drink on a regular basis.

There are many problems which can be brought about by alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction. That’s why people need to become more aware and so drink more responsibly so that we avoid those things. There are also groups that can help people stop drinking alcohol in an abusive manner. One can look for either a 12 steps program or an alcohol rehabilitation treatment center. One should look for help if he has trouble dealing with his alcohol addiction.