Even though there is clear scientific evidence that that these diseases have a biological basis and a genetic predisposition, many people still believe that persons with mental illnesses and addictive behaviours are somehow responsible for their own symptoms. More than half do not seek treatment because of poor insight into their illness or the fear of discrimination as far as employment, relationships, housing and even health care. Those who seek treatment are faced with long waiting lists to see a psychiatrist, with many children waiting six months or more.

Our children are especially vulnerable. Unlike other chronic diseases that strike later in life, the onset of mental illness and addictive behaviours begins early, by age 14 in half the cases. Delaying treatment exacerbates the symptoms, increases the severity of the illness and its disabling impacts. And yet, the stigma and shame prevents many families from seeking treatment for them. In a survey released by the Kinner Child and Family Services in Ontario, 38 per cent of Canadian adults said that they would be embarrassed to admit that their child or teen had a mental illness.

Stigma also prevents most teenagers from getting the help they need. Instead, many of them disguise their psychiatric symptoms by abusing prescription and illicit drugs as well as alcohol.

Untreated, recovery for children with emotional and behavioural disturbances is compromised. Untreated, these diseases interrupt the education of many promising students who drop out of school with some of them ending up in the justice system.

Acute care treatment for psychiatric disorders and addictive behaviours in a hospital setting is scarce enough for adults but they are almost non-existent for those under 19 years of age. Ontario has only 101 mental health beds and 55 substance abuse treatment beds for children and youth.

One of the most effective means to eliminate the stigma that persists in our society is to discover the causes of mental disorders and addictive behaviours and develop more effective treatments. At the present time, psychiatric research receives less than five percent of Canada’s medical research funding. Research into alcoholism and other addictive behaviours receives even less.

In 2006, the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) transferred $1.2 billion in profits to the provincial government. Most of the money collected by LCBO came from vulnerable, high-risk drinkers who consume more than half the alcohol purchased in our province. But not a nickel was spent on research into addictive behaviours.

The Nickel-a-Drink Research Foundation is dedicated to raising money for research on addiction issues and mental illness. The Foundation is also committed to raising awareness among the public, politicians and policy makers of the value of research in these areas and the critical need to increase funding.