Fort Simpson (Nov 26/04) - "It never occurred to me that blacking out or passing out in a ditch was not normal behaviour."

That's how community member Tonya Cazon described the life she used to lead -- a life nearly destroyed by alcohol.

She was one of the guest speakers at Thomas Simpson school's annual circle gathering for National Addictions Awareness Week on Nov. 17.

Addicted at 12

Addressing the assembled students, teachers and parents, Cazon said she fell under the grip of alcohol at age 12. Once it was in her system, she said she craved it even though it caused her to make poor choices and, on a few occasions, it could have killed her.

Sadly, at the time, she didn't always have strong support from her family, she recalled.

By age 19, Cazon fortunately learned to become "high on life." She joined a group of youths that toured the country making presentations and performing skits. She learned to have fun without liquor. Along with high school friend Connie McNab, she also started a youth drop-in centre "to be part of the solution."

As well, Cazon immersed herself in other community activities and in her artwork.

Today she abstains from alcohol, she told the audience.

Walter Edwards, who has also battled personal demons, said he has an addictive personality. He's been hooked on food, video games, drugs and alcohol, he noted.

He urged the students to talk to others about whatever is troubling them in their lives.

"All of us have problems, but we have to count on each other," Edwards said.

Principal Robert Byatt reflected on his preoccupation with pinball while he was in university. Since then, whenever he indulges in a particular activity, he questions whether he could continue to have fun in his life without it. If not, he said it's an addiction by his definition.

Byatt also pointed out how advertisers slyly use young and beautiful actors and models in an attempt to convince people that they need certain products, such as beer, to have a good time.

At a National Addictions Awareness Week gathering, feast and drum dance on Nov. 18, Gerry Antoine told the crowd at the rec centre gym that despite hardships, residents need to work together.

"As a community, we need to help each other overcome these obstacles that are around us."

He said he has noticed an improvement in lifestyles over the past few years. This year's awareness week theme was Returning to Tradition. It's important for First Nations people to get back to their roots and strengthen their language, he said, prior to reciting his message in Slavey.