A new government-driven social media campaign SA国际影视传媒� We Need to Talk about this Stuff SA国际影视传媒� has launched.

The series of profile videos, featuring six Northerners, analyzes the relationship between substance abuse and mental heath, as well as challenges the stigma surrounding it.

Dez Loreen, one of the profiles for the campaign, was contacted as someone that was sought out for the program, bringing experiences to help to warn against substance abuse.

SA国际影视传媒淚 think itSA国际影视传媒檚 really important that we have these dialogues,SA国际影视传媒� said Loreen. SA国际影视传媒淭hese communications, this discussion about these issues. Substance use and [being] responsible.SA国际影视传媒�

Regarding the term substance use, Loreen, an Inuvik town councillor who is running for mayor this fall, refers to alcohol and marijuana, and does not advocate for the use of harder drugs such as cocaine.

SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 important to me that people understand that you donSA国际影视传媒檛 have to drink the whole bottle in one night,SA国际影视传媒� said Loreen. SA国际影视传媒淚t doesnSA国际影视传媒檛 have to be the two to six in one sitting. You donSA国际影视传媒檛 have to get so drunk that you argue with your friends and you start crying because you canSA国际影视传媒檛 control yourself emotionally.SA国际影视传媒�

Not having someone to help him get control, Loreen reflects on how positive aspects couldSA国际影视传媒檝e made a signifcant difference if community members had been available to lend a word.

SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 safe partying, itSA国际影视传媒檚 about being responsible.SA国际影视传媒�

Alana Kronstal, GNWT spokesperson, provided details on how, despite starting work on the series a year ago, its relevance remains today.

SA国际影视传媒淭hereSA国际影视传媒檚 a lot of different takes in this series that we thought were timely and important,SA国际影视传媒� said Kornstal. SA国际影视传媒淓specially during a heightened time of substance use. The summer time is a time [where] people often use to excesses; SA国际影视传媒淲ell, the sun is out and people are socializing again.SA国际影视传媒�

Overall, Kronstal says the series there as a reminder that help is out there for those that need it.

SA国际影视传媒淲e hear from individuals,SA国际影视传媒� Minister of Health and Social Services Julie Green said in a news release. SA国际影视传媒淭hey feel shame, blame, hopelessness and distress because of their circumstances, which often prevents them from seeking help when they need it.SA国际影视传媒�

For those interested, the profiles are shown on the GNWT website, encouraging NWT communities to talk about the issues presented.

Available supports and resources are also promoted.