NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
When a person starts down a path that could lead to an addiction to drugs, alcohol or smoking, future health concerns aren't in the forefront of their mind, according to health officials.

Many long-term addicts, however, develop health problems related to their addictions. Treating these health issues "definitely" puts pressure on the health care system, said Marlene Villebrun, a mental health specialist in addictions with the Department of Health and Social Services.

The exact cost of treating these health problems is hard to track because it's difficult to say which conditions are directly related to addictions, said Villebrun. There is some evidence of the costs in the area of mental health.

According to the 2006 Hospital Services Report, which was released in 2007, hospital admissions of adults aged 25 to 44 due to mental health conditions cost nearly $2.4 million a year. Alcohol and drug conditions, including psychoses, dependency and abuse, are the primary reason behind 20 per cent of mental health hospitalizations costs - or $480,000.

In adults aged 45 to 64 the percentage increases. Hospitalization for mental health conditions in this age group costs $1.3 million annually. Thirty-two percent of the costs - $416,000 - are a result of alcohol and drug conditions.

The report also notes mental health issues are a prominent reason youth ages 15 to 24 and young adults ages 25 to 44 need hospitalization. Although numbers aren't given, the report states a significant proportion of those services are for the treatment of drug and alcohol abuse.

"Definitely there was an acknowledgment that there is an issue," Villebrun said.

A further cost comes in the delivery of the Community Counseling Program. The program, which costs $6 million annually, provides counseling across the territory in the areas of mental health and addictions.

Addictions also lead to physical health problems that require treatment.

"It's quite clear that addictions, whether it's smoking, alcohol or drugs, do have a direct impact on health," she said.

Alcohol and drug use can result in liver damage and cirrhosis of the liver. Long term use of alcohol and cigarettes can cause cancer of the esophagus and stomach, gastritis, diabetes, and inflammation of the pancreas.

All three, alcohol, drugs and smoking, cause high blood pressure and over time other cardio-vascular diseases that can cause heart attacks and strokes.

A lot of people aren't aware reproductive systems are affected too, said Villebrun. Women can have a higher rate of infertility, miscarriages, still births and low birth weight babies as a result of addictions while men can have lower testosterone levels that lead to impotency.

The list of health concerns continues.

People who are addicted to alcohol and other drugs might not be eating properly and that combined with the toxic effects of chemicals can lead to chronic muscle wasting, bone loss, nerve damage and brain damage.

"It affects the whole person in every way," said Villebrun about long-term addictions.

The 2006 NWT Addictions Report, which was released in July 2008, showed that in 2006 21 per cent of current drinkers in the territory aged 15 and older reported at least one type of harm as a result of their drinking.

Ten per cent reported harmful effects to their physical health. In the same report 26 per cent of people who'd used drugs in the past year reported that it caused them harm. For 12 per cent that encompassed physical health.

When people start using drugs, alcohol or cigarettes they don't realize what can happen, Villebrun said.

"They might believe they're just having fun and can quit at any time," she said.

"They don't think they're going to end up an addict."

The also don't think of the ultimate effects to their physical and mental health and their overall life, Villebrun said.

We welcome your opinions. Click here to e-mail a letter to the editor.