Drug addiction not only affects the individual struggling with the addiction, but it also affects their loved ones. If you or someone you know struggles with drug addiction, treatment services are accessible here in Weyburn.

"Individuals who wish to access any treatment services can call our Mental Health & Addictions Intake Line at (306) 842-8665," said Jody Miller, Supervisor of Addiction Services for Community Health Weyburn. "They can request to be connected to an Addiction Counsellor through the Intake Worker. The Addiction Counsellor can assist the individual by offering Outpatient treatment as well as a referral to various treatment options and support, including detox, inpatient treatment, 12 step programs, all sorts of different treatment programs."

She said the situations underlying addiction are treated through outpatient or other services within the province.

"Emotional, social, physical, it's a whole gamut of underlying things that need to be addressed with addiction," Miller noted.

She said while picking up the pieces throughout treatment for addiction can be quite the process, following in-patient treatment, the local Mental Health & Addiction team is there for those who need them.

"In-patient treatments are typically around that one-month mark," she explained. "In our services, outpatient, they can be with us through the time that they're stabilizing, well into early recovery, so we would follow them through lots of their stages of recovery."

Adults can refer themselves for treatment or be referred by a physician. However, the parents of minors who are struggling with addiction may need to go before a judge to request the youth be sent Regina for in-patient addiction treatment.

For those who may not know what to watch for, Miller shared some of the symptoms of drug use, which may or may not be part of an addiction issue, but which can, of course, lead to addiction issues.

"Some of the symptoms of stimulant use, which would include crystal meth, are a fast pulse, dilated pupils, rapid eye movement, reduced appetite, insomnia, possible paranoia, and extreme mood swings," Miller explained. "Some of the symptoms of opioid use, including fentanyl, would include shallow breathing, a slow pulse, constricted pupils, drowsiness, nausea, constipation, and an inability to concentrate or focus."

For those who suspect or are certain their loved one is using opioids, emergency response Naloxone kits are available for free, with training included, from the Community Health Building.

Read more: Free Naloxone Kits Available for Those At Risk of Overdose

Read more: Saskatchewan's Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan