SADD Saskatchewan

We are proud to recognize the incredible efforts of our SADD chapters during Provincial Impaired Driving Awareness Week (PIDAW). The creativity, leadership, and commitment shown across Saskatchewan was amazing to see. From Dress Up Days to Chalk Outline Statistics and few Mocktails along the way, schools had a blast supporting safe driving in their communities.

🏆 Congratulations to our winners:

🥇 1st Place – Estevan Comprehensive School ($500)
🥈 2nd Place – Constable Robin Cameron Educational Complex ($250)
🥉 3rd Place – Hudson Bay Community School Composite School ($250)

A huge thank you to CAA Saskatchewan for generously sponsoring this initiative and supporting youth-led efforts to promote safe and sober driving.

To all participating chapters keep up the great work :)

This poster highlights what many students are experiencing today. These statistics from the 2023–24 Canadian Student To***co, Alcohol and Drugs survey remind us that substance access and pressure are real parts of youth life, but so is the support around them.

Behind every number is a young person trying to make good choices, manage stress, and stay safe. This image is meant to spark honest conversations and remind students that they don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. Awareness creates connection and connection creates safer paths forward.

National Addictions Awareness Week! This year’s theme is Anchoring Hope.

Youth and young adults face pressures, such as stress, social expectations, mental health challenges, the need to fit in, and balancing expectations, making them more vulnerable to both substance addictions (alcohol, cannabis, va**ng) and behavioural addictions (gaming, social media, online obsessions).

This National Addictions Awareness week, SADD Saskatchewan is focussing on how supportive adults and peers can help anchor hope through awareness, education, and conversations.
Noticing addiction is not always easy, but there are signs one may be struggling

Behaviour Shifts
• Withdrawing from friends
• Mood swings or irritable outbursts

School & Work Challenges
• Trouble concentrating
• Skipping classes or work
• Sudden drop in academic or employment performance

Sleep or Physical Changes
• Constant fatigue
• Being up very late gaming or scrolling
• Change in mood or typical behaviour

Secretive or Risky Choices
• Hiding their phone or habits
• Taking unsafe rides or following peer pressure
• Engaging in risk taking behaviours

When approaching a student or peer regarding recent choices always start with empathy. A simple, “You don’t seem yourself, I’m here for you,” can open the door. Ensure you listen without judgment, feeling heard is one of the strongest protective factors. Provide healthy coping strategies, by helping them identify grounding activities: movement, creativity, rest, safe friendships, and limited screen time. Finally, normalize continued support, reassuring them that talking to a counsellor or trusted adult is a positive, brave choice.

Follow SADD Sask all week as we bring about awareness, education, and discussions regarding addictions and how we as educators and students can support each other.

This week, let’s anchor hope together.