CAUDS Corner Fall 2025
It’s been a bustling few months at CAUDS, and we’re excited to share with you some of the highlights, updates, and ways you can get involved as the year winds down.
CAUDS Clinical Director and former Board Chair, Lori Motluk (right), testifies alongside Dr. Alexander Cauderalla (left) from the CCSA, and Brandon Purcell (middle) of the Canadian Cancer Society.
CAUDS Testifies as Expert Witness to the Senate
In October, CAUDS was invited to testify before the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology as part of its study of Bill S-202, which examines proposed warning labels on alcoholic beverages.
The invitation placed CAUDS on a national stage alongside leading experts from the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, the Canadian Cancer Society, and researchers and medical specialists from around the world.
Being included in this panel marks an important milestone for CAUDS and reflects the growing recognition of our work across Canada. Read our opening remarks here, or click here to watch the full session.
We Can Support Canadians Struggling with Alcohol – Cheaper, Sooner, Better. So Why Aren’t We?
CAUDS’ Message for National Addictions Awareness Week
For National Addictions Awareness Week (Nov 16-22), CAUDS released a press release drawing attention to the opportunities Canada has to improve treatment for alcohol use disorder.
Our message was hopeful: by addressing clear gaps in the system, we can reduce costs while improving outcomes and quality of life for hundreds of thousands of Canadians.
You can read the full press release here.
APPLAUD provides care teams with practical, evidence-based tools to support individuals and families dealing with AUD.
Registration Open: APPLAUD Action Series – Cohort 3
Registration is now open for the third cohort of the APPLAUD Action Series. Deadline to apply is January 23, 2026.
Designed for primary care teams, APPLAUD (Approaches and Pharmacotherapies for Patients Living with Alcohol Use Disorder) equips participants with practical, evidence-informed tools to improve care and outcomes for people living with AUD. Teams will gain hands-on experience, connect with peers and experts, and explore approaches that support both individuals and their families.
Kamloops City Council hears feedback for their Let’s Talk survey on expanding responsible drinking in public spaces.
CAUDS and United Way Present to Kamloops Town Council
Recently, CAUDS and our partners at United Way BC were invited to present to Kamloops Town Council on our community initiatives and partnerships.
We want to thank council members for the invitation, their engagement, and excellent questions. We’re pleased to report that the council is now working with Interior Health to explore municipal alcohol policy—an encouraging step toward connecting local decision-making with health evidence.
Gretchen Brown from Moms Stop the Harm (right) engages participants with practical information on harm reduction and alcohol-free alternatives.
Community Spotlight: NANAIMO
At this fall’s 55+ BC Games, our partners at the Nanaimo Foundation, in partnership with Vancouver Island University and local breweries, hosted engaging activities to spark dialogue about alcohol use and celebrate non-alcoholic options.
Games, trivia, and mocktail tastings offered low-pressure ways for over 2,500 participants and volunteers to explore mindful drinking and share experiences. The events highlighted that connection, celebration, and fun don’t have to rely on alcohol—reflecting a growing shift toward inclusive, health-conscious social norms.
The draw will be held Friday November 28th at 4pm PST.
Last Chance to Enter the CAUDS 50/50 Raffle!
The winner of the CAUDS 50/50 raffle will be drawn this Friday! Make sure to get your tickets in—every purchase supports training BC’s primary care teams in life-changing alcohol use disorder treatments and helps build community programs that foster hope, health, and recovery across the province.
We would like to extend our gratitude to the BC Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions for their generous support of our work. With their funding assistance, we are able to expand advocacy for alcohol use disorder to be treated as a health condition. This understanding allows AUD and its treatments to be approached with compassion and renewed hope for those affected.
Thank you!
Interested in learning more? Check out our Annual Report, Resources, Stories of Hope, Videos and much more!
