Addiction Resource Coalition

09/05/2025

06/18/2025

What a wonderful day we had - this was the third annual Addiction Resource Coalition BBQ in support of mental health.

Thank you to everyone who stopped and asked questions, danced or grabbed a hot dog.

This event would not have been possible without all the coordination behind the scenes! Thank you to our planning committee, volunteers, local agencies, donators and sponsors.

See you in 2026!

04/24/2025

We hope to see you at Kinsmen Park on Saturday, May 10th for hot dogs, entertainment, resources and you may even see some adoptable pets!

Stop by between11:30am and 2pm!

03/31/2025

3rd Annual FREE BBQ in Support of Mental Week.

Join us Kinsmen Park on Saturday, May 10th from 11:30am-2pm.

There will be hots dogs and drinks, entertainment and many booths providing information and resources about mental health.

https://cmha.ca/

https://cmha.calgary.ab.ca/?_gl=1%2A13wyaad%2A_gcl_aw%2AR0NMLjE3NDM0Mzc2MjguQ2p3S0NBanctcWlfQmhCeEVpd0FreHZia09GOV9MSDJiOUhiVlhhX2pDb0E0bHpIVDE1X24yQkp3WExQRFg1WXFPcWE0YkpJUmRPMjdCb0NUSVlRQXZEX0J3RQ..%2A_ga%2AODQxMjU0MDYyLjE3NDM0Mzc2Mjg.%2A_ga_NX4NR1QTT1%2AMTc0MzQzNzYyOC4xLjEuMTc0MzQzNzc3MC4yLjAuNzM5MTg2NTE4

https://www.wfcss.org/mental-health-resources.html

06/04/2024

Thank you to all the wonderful community members who joined us at Kinsmen Park on May 11th. This BBQ was held in support of National Mental Health Week.

A BIG THANK YOU to the volunteers who made this day possible! It was a great day filled with sunshine, laughter and entertainment!

If you, or someone you love, is suffering from addiction or mental health related issues, call 1-888-594-0211 to have an Information & Referral Specialist help find the service that's right for you.

05/10/2024

May 6-10, 2024 is Mental Health Week
Myth #5: People Can Overcome Their Mental Health Issues If They Just Try Harder To Be Happy.
Fact: There are many times when someone with mental health issues may feel better, but that doesn't mean they will be able to "snap out of it" completely. Unfortunately, mental health disorders are often never "cured," but something that a person will need to manage indefinitely.
A person’s mental health CAN change over time, depending on many factors. Changes in life situations such as job stress, the loss of a loved one or financial difficulties can contribute to the ups and downs that a person may experience over the course of their lifetime. A combination of talk therapy, medication and exercise many help alleviate symptoms for some people.

If you or someone you know is in immediate crisis or has su***de-related concerns:
9-8-8 is for anyone who is thinking about su***de, or who is worried about someone they know. Connect to a responder to get help without judgement. Call or text 9-8-8 toll-free, anytime for support in English or French.
Call: 9-8-8 (toll-free, 24/7)
Text: 9-8-8 (toll-free, 24/7)
For more information, visit https://988.ca/

Kids Help Phone can also support you.
Call: 1-800-668-6868 (24/7)
Text: CONNECT to 686868
Live Chat: 7pm to midnight (ET)

Are you looking for mental health services?
Your healthcare professional is a good place to start.
CMHA in your own community may also be able to direct you to mental health services.
Please contact your local CMHA.
https://cmha.ca/

Mental Health of Older Adults:
https://www.who.int/.../detail/mental-health-of-older-adults

211 or Calgary Distress Centre:
https://distresscentre.com/211-lines/?device=c&keyword=mental%20health%20service&placement=&adgroup=137166282211&campaign=15653437414&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwouexBhAuEiwAtW_Zx8XIyMoXkvdsakmLpFWOzjuGT3J7nL8KC6U0sg0T5CQSwL7nCmloMxoCkPQQAvD_BwE

This year the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) focused on compassion with "A Call To Be Kind"

Compassion is the emotional response to the struggles of others combined with a real, authentic desire to help lessen their suffering and respond with care. With so much hardship going on in the world, compassion is needed now more than ever.” - Margaret Eaton, National CEO, CMHA.

05/09/2024

May 6-10, 2024 is Mental Health Week

Myth #4: Mental illnesses are just an excuse for poor behaviour.
Fact: It’s true that some people who experience mental illnesses may act in ways that are unexpected or seem strange to others. We need to remember that the illness, not the person, is behind these behaviours. No one chooses to experience a mental illness. People who experience a change in their behaviour due to a mental illness may feel extremely embarrassed or ashamed around others. It’s also true that people with a history of a mental illness are like anyone else: they may make poor choices or do something unexpected for reasons unrelated to symptoms of their illness.

If you or someone you know is in immediate crisis or has su***de-related concerns:
9-8-8 is for anyone who is thinking about su***de, or who is worried about someone they know. Connect to a responder to get help without judgement. Call or text 9-8-8 toll-free, anytime for support in English or French.
Call: 9-8-8 (toll-free, 24/7)
Text: 9-8-8 (toll-free, 24/7)
For more information, visit https://988.ca/

Kids Help Phone can also support you.
Call: 1-800-668-6868 (24/7)
Text: CONNECT to 686868
Live Chat: 7pm to midnight (ET)

Are you looking for mental health services?
Your healthcare professional is a good place to start.
CMHA in your own community may also be able to direct you to mental health services.

Please contact your local CMHA.
https://cmha.calgary.ab.ca/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw6PGxBhCVARIsAIumnWY4Dcl-MX45fyLdx8NXdNE0E2ARKG59z4-YXLo70AVT5Boz5aAuDDAaAsvEEALw_wcB

Mental Health of Older Adults:
https://www.who.int/.../detail/mental-health-of-older-adults

211 or Calgary Distress Centre:
https://distresscentre.com/211-lines/?device=c&keyword=mental%20health%20service&placement=&adgroup=137166282211&campaign=15653437414&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwouexBhAuEiwAtW_Zx8XIyMoXkvdsakmLpFWOzjuGT3J7nL8KC6U0sg0T5CQSwL7nCmloMxoCkPQQAvD_BwE

If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete - Jack Kornfield

05/08/2024

May 6-10, 2024 is Mental Health Week

Myth #3: Mental illnesses will never affect me.
Fact: All of us will be affected by mental illnesses. Researchers estimate that as many as one in five Canadians will experience a mental health problem or illness in any given year. You may not experience a mental illness yourself, but it’s very likely that a family member, friend, or co-worker will experience challenges.

If you or someone you know is in immediate crisis or has su***de-related concerns:
9-8-8 is for anyone who is thinking about su***de, or who is worried about someone they know. Connect to a responder to get help without judgement. Call or text 9-8-8 toll-free, anytime for support in English or French.
Call: 9-8-8 (toll-free, 24/7)
Text: 9-8-8 (toll-free, 24/7)
For more information, visit https://988.ca/

Kids Help Phone can also support you.
Call: 1-800-668-6868 (24/7)
Text: CONNECT to 686868
Live Chat: 7pm to midnight (ET)

Are you looking for mental health services?
Your healthcare professional is a good place to start.
CMHA in your own community may also be able to direct you to mental health services. Please contact your local CMHA.
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/fin.../facility.aspx...

Mental Health of Older Adults:
https://www.who.int/.../detail/mental-health-of-older-adults

211 or Calgary Distress Centre:
https://distresscentre.com/211-lines/?device=c&keyword=mental%20health%20service&placement=&adgroup=137166282211&campaign=15653437414&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwouexBhAuEiwAtW_Zx8XIyMoXkvdsakmLpFWOzjuGT3J7nL8KC6U0sg0T5CQSwL7nCmloMxoCkPQQAvD_BwE

Demonstrating compassion through caring actions and kindness can positively impact mood and help alleviate feelings of depression. This is because the act of “giving compassion” is closely connected to the release of oxytocin, a feel-good hormone. Research also suggests that compassion is contagious.

https://cmha.ca/brochure/myths-about-mental-illness/

05/07/2024

May 6-10, 2024 is Mental Health Week

Myth: Mental health is the same as mental illness.
The truth: Mental health and mental illness are related but distinct.

Mental health refers to one’s general state of psychological and emotional well-being. Much like physical health, it exists on a continuum from healthy to ill and can fluctuate based on many factors. Maintaining good mental health is an important aspect of one’s overall well-being.

A mental illness (sometimes called a mental health problem) is a condition diagnosed by a qualified health-care professional. The diagnostic criteria often involve a combination of changes in emotions, moods, or behaviours associated with distress, and/or impaired daily functioning. Examples include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. In any given year, 1 in 5 Canadians experience a mental illness.

If you or someone you know is in immediate crisis or has su***de-related concerns:
9-8-8 is for anyone who is thinking about su***de, or who is worried about someone they know. Connect to a responder to get help without judgement. Call or text 9-8-8 toll-free, anytime for support in English or French.
Call: 9-8-8 (toll-free, 24/7)
Text: 9-8-8 (toll-free, 24/7)
For more information, visit https://988.ca/

Kids Help Phone can also support you.
Call: 1-800-668-6868 (24/7)
Text: CONNECT to 686868
Live Chat: 7pm to midnight (ET)

Are you looking for mental health services?
Your healthcare professional is a good place to start.
CMHA in your own community may also be able to direct you to mental health services. Please contact your local CMHA.
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/fin.../facility.aspx...

Mental Health of Older Adults:
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-of-older-adults

211 or Calgary Distress Centre:
https://distresscentre.com/211-lines/?device=c&keyword=mental%20health%20service&placement=&adgroup=137166282211&campaign=15653437414&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwouexBhAuEiwAtW_Zx8XIyMoXkvdsakmLpFWOzjuGT3J7nL8KC6U0sg0T5CQSwL7nCmloMxoCkPQQAvD_BwE

Compassion, defined as the practice of meeting suffering – whether our own or that of others – with kindness,1is often confused with empathy. While empathy involves sensing, feeling and understanding of another’s experience, compassion goes beyond empathy into the realm of taking action.

https://cmha.ca/story/despite-almost-all-92-canadians-claiming-to-be-compassionate-only-38-took-action-in-the-past-year-to-alleviate-hardship/

05/06/2024

May 6-10, 2024 is Mental Health Week

Myth: Drug addiction is a choice.
The truth: No one ever chooses to become addicted to drugs or alcohol. Youth addicted to drugs and/or alcohol chose to try the substance for various reasons, but prolonged use can alter brain chemistry and cause changes in the body. When this occurs, substance use is not a choice; it becomes a physical and psychological need regardless of the negative impact it has on someone’s daily life. In other circumstances, a young person may have a predisposition to addiction because of a family history.

It is important to note, however, not every youth who uses substances will develop an addiction. Some youth may use substances socially or recreationally and others may begin to experience substance abuse. The difference between the two is the severity of one’s condition. When an individual is addicted to a substance and suffers from withdrawals, it indicates the mind and body has developed a need for the substance beyond the control of the individual. Many youth are afraid to stop using because substance withdrawal can be extreme. For example, seizures can occur when withdrawing from alcohol.

“I didn’t choose to be born susceptible just like someone doesn’t choose to have diabetes or cancer.” -D
canadahelps.org

If you or someone you know is in immediate crisis or has su***de-related concerns:
9-8-8 is for anyone who is thinking about su***de, or who is worried about someone they know. Connect to a responder to get help without judgement. Call or text 9-8-8 toll-free, anytime for support in English or French.
Call: 9-8-8 (toll-free, 24/7)
Text: 9-8-8 (toll-free, 24/7)
For more information, visit https://988.ca/

Kids Help Phone can also support you.
Call: 1-800-668-6868 (24/7)
Text: CONNECT to 686868
Live Chat: 7pm to midnight (ET)

Are you looking for mental health services?
Your healthcare professional is a good place to start.
CMHA in your own community may also be able to direct you to mental health services. Please contact your local CMHA.
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/findhealth/facility.aspx?id=1004516

CMHA offers BounceBack, free mental health coaching on the telephone for adults and youth 15+ who are experiencing low mood, mild-to-moderate depression and anxiety, stress or worry. Visit www.cmha.ca/bounceback.

The Government of Canada offers free counselling, online courses, self-guided programs and peer support groups through the Wellness Together portal.

https://cmha.ca/find-help/if-you-are-in-crisis/

https://distresscentre.com/988-helpline/?device=c&keyword=mental%20health&placement=&adgroup=161614449554&campaign=21002793247&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_-GxBhC1ARIsADGgDjuTISTSUeKQLmsdHsqPZR93akMTu4R9xDOTXK9hDDseoy8f6CKjMaEaAuLNEALw_wcB