Despite efforts to revitalize Century Gardens in Calgary, a mix of community members and struggling individuals battling addiction create a complex environment. While some residents enjoy the new basketball courts and feel safe, others express concerns about drug use and safety in the area. The story highlights the challenges of addressing social issues in public spaces and the need for comprehensive solutions.
Former President Donald Trump shared his understanding of the devastating effects of addiction on families, citing personal experiences with family members who struggled with substance abuse. He acknowledged the challenges faced by loved ones of those battling addiction, emphasizing the strain it puts on relationships and the need for support.
Now streaming on Netflix, “Patrick Melrose” is a gripping drama miniseries starring Benedict Cumberbatch in the titular role. Based on Edward St Aubyn’s semi-autobiographical novels, the show delves into the complex life of Patrick Melrose, a character deeply affected by his traumatic past. With a strong supporting cast and a compelling redemption story, “Patrick Melrose” offers a powerful and thought-provoking viewing experience.
Dominic McGregor became the head of a multi-million dollar media agency at just 19. But the pressure took its toll and he turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism. By the time he was 22, he was drinking heavily every day and having suicidal thoughts. But with the support of his friends and family, he sought professional help and quit drinking. He now regrets not speaking out earlier and encourages other men to be more open about their struggles.
Kim Moore, driven by a deep love for her late husband Chris, who struggled with alcoholism, established the charity Blossome to empower individuals recovering from the loss of a loved one due to addiction. Blossome offers a haven of support through a community of self-care activities, helping to break the cycle of addiction that often plagues generations. Kim’s personal experience as a caregiver and her subsequent journey of self-care highlight the transformative power of prioritizing one’s well-being in the face of grief and loss.
Calgary police have charged eight people with 64 criminal offenses related to drug trafficking, possession of weapons, and the proceeds of crime. The operation, which ran from April 16 to April 25, was launched in response to an increase in localized overdoses and behavior consistent with drug trafficking at CTrain stations in northwest Calgary. Police said they partnered with investigative units and Calgary Transit peace officers to address the ongoing safety concerns and disrupt drug trafficking.
Paolo Liuzzo, the former boyfriend of Princess Beatrice, was found dead in a Miami hotel room on February 7th. Police suspect a drug overdose, and an investigation is ongoing. Liuzzo had struggled with drug use and gambling debts, and sources told the Sun that his fast-paced lifestyle had caught up with him.
A new report commissioned by the World Health Organization and coordinated by the University of Glasgow reveals a troubling trend: vaping has surpassed cigarette smoking in popularity among young people. Driven by curiosity and enticed by appealing flavors, an increasing number of children are experimenting with vapes, raising concerns about the potential health consequences. While many view vaping as a safer alternative to smoking, it carries significant risks for adolescents, particularly in terms of brain development and addiction susceptibility. Even low levels of nicotine exposure can harm young brains, increasing the likelihood of addiction, risky behavior, and mental health issues. Additionally, the unregulated nature of the vaping industry raises concerns about the presence of harmful chemicals and flavorings in vape liquids, potentially causing respiratory and other health problems. Immediate action is needed to address this growing epidemic, including stricter regulations, age verification, and prominent health warnings to protect the health of our youth.
A homeless woman addicted to fentanyl gave birth in her tent near a fire station two weeks ago. The baby remains in the hospital, while the mother is back on the streets. Doctors say the use of fentanyl in pregnancy has increased in recent years, and they are still learning how to treat newborns withdrawing from the drug. A team of Multnomah County outreach workers continues to try and help the mother, but she has declined their offers of treatment and housing.
The EU has effectively quashed a TikTok feature that was deemed “toxic” and “addictive.” TikTok Lite’s reward-to-watch feature, which allowed users to earn rewards by watching and liking videos, has been suspended. This action follows a bill signed by President Biden forcing ByteDance to sell TikTok’s US operations or face a ban. The EU Commission expressed concerns about the potential for addictive behavior in children, prompting TikTok to voluntarily suspend the rewards function while addressing raised concerns.
