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More than 400 Manitobans lost their lives due to drug overdoses in 2022. 

According to data from Manitoba's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, 418 Manitobans died from drug-related deaths in 2022, which is down 14 from the 432 deaths in 2011. 43 of those alone died in October of 2022. 

The number of drug-related deaths continues to increase over the years. In 2019, 200 deaths were reported while 372 were reported in 2020 and two years later, 418 were reported. While the number of Manitobans dying because of opioid addictions continues to rise at an alarming rate, the number of Manitobans seeking help because of an alcohol addiction continues to rise as well.

If you are concerned about your use of drugs or alcohol, the Canadian Mental Health Association Swan Valley Branch is here to help. Every Thursday until December 14, they will be hosting an Addiction Recovery Skills Course at Red Road Compass beside Pizza Place in the community. 

Rod Seib is the Peer Support and Public Education Coordinator at the Swan Valley Branch and as he says, these sessions are very important for those who are struggling.

"There is a real need. There are other programs but there are always more needs than what services can provide," said Seib. "These courses are free of charge so we removed that barrier for the folks that want to take part but don't have the financial means to do so."

There was one session last Thursday and it was positive.

"We had six individuals come out for that first session and it was an introductory session about how the brain gets into that mode of addiction," said Seib. "I had great feedback from the individuals that came and they're looking forward to continuing the course."

If you did not attend the first session but are interested, you can do so. However, Thursday, November 09 will be your last chance to sign up. If you do not take part in this next session, Seib says you will be unable to enter the course moving forward. 

Seib says if you're struggling and you are in the Swan River area, you are welcome to join for the next six sessions in person at 602 Main Street in Swan River from 1:30 to 3:30 every Thursday from now until December 14.

"No one should struggle alone, there is help available," ended Seib. "I, myself, have struggled with addiction, so I have that life experience that I can connect with people and understand what they may be going through."