The Four Pillar approach was adopted as policy by the City of Vancouver in 2001 as a way of addressing the city’s drug problems and the open drug scene in the Downtown East Side. The Four Pillar approaches to drug addiction are Prevention, Harm Reduction, Treatment and Enforcement. All Pillars are in place to reduce harm or to minimize the harm that comes with drug addiction. To read more about Vancouver’s Four Pillar Drug Strategy the following link will take you to report called “A Frame Work for Action” here you will be able to understand fully what Vancouver is doing to reduce harm to families, neighbourhoods, and the community. Four Pillars Framework

• The needle exchange reduces harm by offering clean needles and condoms, this helps cut down on the spread of HIV/AIDS.
• The Safe Injection Site reduces harm by giving the drug user a safe clean supervised place to use and if an overdose occurs, there can be an immediate response by qualified professionals.
• Methadone reduces harm by providing maintenance treatment with comprehensive social and rehabilitation services.
• As business owners, you can reduce harm for sex workers just by keeping your alleys and business lit at night as this makes it safer when the worker is isolated in the dark.
• Clients and sex workers can reduce harm to the community by always remembering not to leave any drug paraphernalia or condoms in the neighbourhoods.
• Service providers reduce harm for sex workers when low or no barrier services are designed to support them where they are at, or when they choose to leave the industry.
• We reduce harm for sex workers when we address their barriers such as possible drug issues, having access to affordable housing, possible detox or treatment options and job training programs.

If you find that you have lost control over your drug use and it has taken on a destructive force of its own, you will need help. Although many people drink alcohol and use drugs without developing an addiction problem, it is important to be aware of the possible risks so that you can avoid problems or make changes in your life.

Here are some of the signs of Addiction but not the only ones.

• Increase or decrease in appetite; or unexplained weight loss or gain.
• Smell of substance on breath, body or clothes.
• Needle marks or bruises on lower arm, legs or bottom of feet.
• Change in overall attitude / personality with no other identifiable cause.
• Changes in friends: New hangouts, avoidance of old crowd, drop in school or work performance; skips or is late to school or work.
• Changes in habits at home; loss of interest in family and family activities.
• Difficulty in paying attention; forgetfulness, extreme hyperactivity, excessive talkativeness, lack of motivation, energy, self-esteem, discipline, "I don't care" attitude.
• Unexplained moodiness, irritability, nervousness, violent temper or bizarre behavior or unexplained silliness or giddiness.
• Paranoia -- suspiciousness. Secretive or suspicious behavior.
• Car accidents, fender benders,
• Chronic dishonesty; trouble with police.
• Unexplained need for money; cannot explain where money goes; stealing.
• Unusual effort to cover arms, legs. Change in personal grooming habits.
• Possession of drug paraphernalia.

There is a lot of support out there and you do not have to go through this alone. Know that recovery is possible and with a little willingness, you are well on your way. The following website has lots of great information and resources.

Vancouver Coastal Health – This is an excellent web page where you will find a lot of valuable information; such as Aboriginal Health Services, Detox services, Day treatment, Residential support recovery, Residential treatment, Self-help groups and Crisis interventions. www.vch.ca/community/addictions.htm