National Addictions Awareness Week is recognized across Canada each November. It offers an opportunity for NWT residents to raise awareness about substance use and addiction, promote prevention and harm reduction, and encourage open conversations about treatment and recovery. This year’s theme, “Anchoring Hope”, highlights the value of speaking openly about substance use, which can help foster connection, support healing, and lead to positive change.

Related to National Addictions Awareness Week, the GNWT has recently announced the return of the “We Need to Talk About This Stuff” campaign, a video series featuring Northerners sharing their personal experiences with difficult topics like substance use and addiction. The goals of the campaign are to reducing stigma and encourage open, compassionate conversations about these difficult topics. To learn more and watch the videos, visit www.gov.nt.ca/stuff.

Facility-based addictions treatment services are available free of charge to NWT residents. These programs offer trauma informed and culturally safe care through contracted treatment centres. To learn more, visit Facility-Based Addictions Treatment | Health and Social Services   

Addiction impacts people from all backgrounds. By anchoring hope, we are supporting healthy people and communities in the NWT. Together, we can create a future where conversations about addiction and recovery are open, supportive, and stigma-free.

From November 16-22 use #NAAW2025 on social media to share how you and your community are striving to make a difference.

If you or someone you know needs support, contact your local counsellor, wellness worker, health centre, or dial 811 to speak with a registered nurse.

For more information on resources available, please visit www.gov.nt.ca/wellnes

For media requests, please contact:
Andrew Wind
Manager, Communications
Health and Social Services
Government of the Northwest Territories
HSSmedia@gov.nt.ca
(867) 767-9052 ext. 49034