While the pandemic has changed much in our day-to-day lives, the need for addictions services for Manitobans struggling with substance use and gambling remains as important as ever.

In the Pembina Valley Region, AFM continues to provide frontline support and services to clients struggling in the areas of substance use and gambling. AFM recently moved their operations from Morden to Winkler where they are embedded in Eden Health Care Service’s Pathways Community Mental Health Services office at 351 Main St. The move was made to provide clients with access to both addictions and mental health services under one roof.

Stacey Brimson, who works as a counsellor in the adult community-based program in AFM’s Winkler office, said the transition has gone smoothly and is already benefiting clients.

“One benefit is we’ve been able to connect with Eden’s mental health staff and let them know about the range of services we offer and how they can assist their clients in accessing AFM services,” Brimson said.

Eden CEO Brad Unger added that his organization is always looking for opportunities to improve service delivery and see great potential in having AFM staff working alongside the team at Pathways.

“The more we can develop integrated and collaborative services in mental health and addiction in our community, the greater the benefit to those who are using the service,” said Unger.

Although their location has changed, the programming and services offered by AFM has not. And, as an essential service in Manitoba, AFM offices and facilities throughout the province have remained open, albeit with some adjustments to ensure the safety of both staff and clients during the pandemic.

Brimson said that includes the use of remote appointment options such as phones and Zoom, both of which have been well received by clients.

“I’m finding most people are very happy with this option as they don’t have to travel for appointments,” Brimson said. “We also continue to offer physically distanced in-person sessions for those who aren’t able to connect remotely.”

The remote options have enabled AFM to continue offering a wide range of community-based services during the day and evening for adults, including individual and group counselling, educational presentations, and discussion groups for individuals struggling with alcohol, drug, or gambling issues.

AFM also offers family programming for families and friends of those who are experiencing alcohol, drug or gambling problems.

Youth-based programming is another important staple of the services provided in the Winkler-Morden area. Offered to youth from the ages of 12 to 18, the focus of the programming is to assist youth directly involved in alcohol, drug or gambling behaviour or impacted by someone else’s involvement. Staff work with youth on setting goals and working towards achieving them. Programming is offered during the day and evening and includes educational information, individual and/or group counselling and/or family sessions.

AFM’s partnership with Manitoba school divisions to offer school-based services has also carried on throughout the pandemic. That collaboration sees an AFM counsellor working on site at local schools to provide early intervention opportunities for students with potential alcohol, drug and gambling

concerns. The counsellors also work to reduce barriers to support or treatment for students and provide prevention, education and support services for parents, school staff and allied community professionals.

The services provided by AFM remain vitally important as we continue to grapple with the realities of COVID-19. Pandemic-related stressors such as uncertainties about health, fear of contracting COVID-19, uncertain job status, financial worries and concerns about what the future holds can lead to the development of unhealthy coping habits and a subsequent rise in the use of substances like alcohol.

“Alcohol continues to be the main substance that folks are struggling with in the Winkler-Morden area,” Brimson said. “Second would be cannabis and subsequently methamphetamines and opiates.”

For those who are facing challenges with substances, an excellent first point of contact is the Manitoba Addictions Helpline which is available as a 24/7 free and confidential service. Texting or calling 1-855-662-6605 puts people in touch with a trained counsellor who can help find the best service for those in need.