Breaking up is hard to do

By Mary Chan

Hypnosis, acupuncture and speakers will help students overcome their bad habits as part of the Students’ Union’s Kick it Campaign. Launched on Mon., Jan. 10, Kick it runs until the end of January.

"It’s a campaign to help people stop smoking," said SU Vice-president Events Jared Lorenz. "Considering that 27 per cent of the population smokes, it’s an important service to at least give students a chance to stop smoking."

Students in the program can sign up for acupuncture and hypnosis sessions, as well as look at the displays in the MacEwan Student Centre food court. Two speakers are also offered.

A similar program ran last year under the name "Butt Out." The name change reflects a change in the campaign’s focus.

"’Butt Out’ implies cigarettes only," said Lorenz. "This year, we’re trying to indicate that no matter what your bad habit is, we can help you kick it."

The SU had planned to give out Nicorette gum, but encountered some legal difficulties.

"You’re not allowed to distribute drugs unless you’re licensed to do so, which the SU is not," said Lorenz. "If people want that, we encourage them to go the health services and talk to doctors there."

One of the speakers was Addictions Counsellor Dr. Miles from University Counselling Services. He spoke on Wednesday about the nature of addiction, saying that nicotine addiction works the same way as cocaine.

"Nicotine stimulates the brain in almost the same way that cocaine does," he said. "Helping people understand that connection is important."

Miles added that a program like the Kick it campaign helps students quite a bit.

Lorenz expects about 80 students to sign up this year, about the same as last year. The $3,000 cost of the Kick it campaign will be covered by the SU, though it is applying for a provincial grant.

Students can still sign up for the program.

"They can sign up as long as the program is still going," said Lorenz. For more information, call 220-3912, or e-mail suvpeve@ ucalgary.ca.