Facts

Some of the most common addictions that have recovery groups include: alcohol, codependency, narcotics, sex, cybersex, food, internet use, video games, spending, gambling, and work.

Some of the symptoms to help you identify an addiction include:

• Cannot fulfill major responsibilities at home, school, or office
• Repeated legal problems because of substance use
• More substance is required to produce the same effect
• The substance is required to relieve withdrawal symptoms
• Several failed attempts to limit substance use
• Much time is spent using, recovering from, or obtaining the substance
• Continuing to use the substance despite knowing the physical or psychological problems of using
• Addiction to alcohol and other drugs qualifies as a disease.
• Main treatment methods include 12-step programs, holistic approaches (i.e. acupuncture, meditation, etc…), addiction medication, and residential treatment.
• In the year 2000, of the 6.1 million people (in the USA) needing addictions treatment, 1.1 million (17.3 percent) people received it (SAMHSA).
• Addictions treatment can be effective. People can recover from their addictions.
• More than half of federal offenders report that they were under the influence of alcohol or other drugs when they committed the offence that led to prison (Public Safety Canada).

Causes

There is no single influence said to cause addiction. It is a combination of factors unique to an individuals’ life and experiences. Some factors include:

• Genetics
• The emotional/physical feeling achieved from using
• Environment
• Mental health issues
• Coping mechanism
• Spiritual or religious reasons

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

For information on signs and symptoms of addiction, click here.

Effects

• Minor and/or severe health problems.
• Social and emotional problems (i.e. work, family, personal, etc.).
• Legal problems (particularly with drug abuse).
• Unstable and unsuccessful employment and education.

Diagnosis

Often an addiction is first diagnosed when family, friends and/or coworkers intervene and express their concern for an individual. It is often difficult for doctors to recognize and become aware of an addiction or addictive tendencies that someone may have. However, there are some medical tests and questionnaires that a doctor can administer to patient to see if they do in fact have some of these tendencies. Some people (those with alcohol abuse problems in particular) may complain about other medical problems such as digestive issues or pain and weakness, instead of admitting to the real thing. Most of the time the individual with an addiction is in denial about their problem and more often than not, needs another person to help them admit to and overcome their problem. Once an individual has been diagnosed as having an addiction, treatment methods and programs will then be administered to them.

Treatment

Each person’s addiction is different and, therefore, the treatment needed is dependent not only on the nature of the addiction, but also the person’s individual character. It is important to seek out the help and treatment that is right for you. There are programs and counseling services in your community and throughout Canada to help those who are suffering from addiction, become healthy again.

Treatments work for many people but success rates are different for everyone. It is important to have a good support base (counsellor, friends, family, AA…). With support and the proper treatment, many people manage conquer their addiction and rebuild their lives. Treatment is also needed and readily available for friends and family of the addicted person. When helping a friend or family member through addiction treatment, it is important to realize that you can support the person, but cannot change the person’s behavior for them. You must balance supporting the person with taking care of yourself and ensuring that you do not become mentally, emotionally or even physically ill.

Where to go for help

It is important to seek help and guidance if you, or someone in your life, has an addiction. There are many sources of support, including drop-in centers, help lines, clinics, school programs, community outreach programs, etc. Don’t be afraid to try different sources of support. Information on programs available in your area can be found at community centers, schools, and clinics. A good trick is to carry a list of people’s phone numbers who you trust in your wallet, so that you can call them when you need help or emotional support.

Types of addiction

Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a chronic progressive and potentially fatal psychological and nutritional disorder associated with excessive and usually compulsive drinking of ethanol (alcohol) and characterized by frequent intoxication leading to dependence on or addiction to the substance, impairment of the ability to work and socialize, destructive behaviors (such as drunk driving), tissue damage (such as cirrhosis of the liver), and severe withdrawal symptoms upon detoxification (Merriam-Webster’s Medical Dictionary).

There is a difference between alcoholism and alcohol abuse. Alcohol abuse can be categorized as drinking too much and too often; but still not being dependent on alcohol. Problems can include: conflicts with every day responsibilities, neglecting work, family, and school, drunk-driving arrests, and drinking-related medical conditions. The main difference is that an alcoholic is addicted to alcohol, while a problem drinker abuses alcohol without being psychologically or physically dependant on it. An individual has a higher chance of succumbing to alcohol abuse if they themselves have been abused in life or have suffered through poverty.

Long term abuse of alcohol can carry with it severe health problems. For women, heavy drinking during pregnancy can cause Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAS/FAE)

Alcoholism can be treated but never cured. This means that even if an alcoholic hasn’t had a drink for a very long time, he or she could still suffer a relapse. Social drinks or drinks with dinner can soon lead to a relapse.

Visit these websites for additional information on Drinking and Driving, Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, as well as for signs of alcohol abuse and alcoholism.

Drug addiction

Drug addiction occurs when a person’s use of drugs reaches a point where they are dependent on the continued use of the drug. The addictive nature of drugs varies depending on the specific drug and the combination and duration of drugs taken. It also depends on the individual: some people are psychologically, genetically or environmentally predisposed to addiction.

There are two types of drug addiction: physical and psychological. Physical dependency occurs when your body has become accustomed to the drug and its effects. Withdrawal symptoms occur when you stop using the drug. Psychological dependency occurs when you no longer feel like you can function without the drug. The drug is needed to feel happy, or even normal. Dependency is influenced by various stresses, social acceptability of drugs, social and emotional ties to things other than drugs and availability of drugs.

People who have substance abuse problems most often deal with family, work and social obligations, dangerous situations, legal problems and continued drug abuse, plus an array of physical and mental health problems.

Click here for some information on drug abuse.

Gambling

Gambling addiction is when a person becomes “hooked” or addicted to gambling. It is a sudden preoccupation with gambling and winning that interferes with relationships, family, friends, career, and physical, social, and mental wellbeing. At this point, it is no longer just a social activity.

People often find themselves with a gambling problem if they continually seek it for recreational purposes. Gamblers enjoy the socialization aspect and find the activity exciting. Charitable causes make many people feel that they are contributing to society and worthy causes. People might use gambling as an escape. They claim gambling is relaxing and provides an escape from everyday problems.

Click here for some additional information about gambling.

Links

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
The Addiction Recovery Guide
The Facts About Addiction – prepared by IRETA

Alcoholism

The Cool Spot, information for middle schoolers
Canadian Health Network: Substance Use/Addictions FAQ
National Association for Children of Alcoholics
KidsHealth.org (Kids and Alcohol)
osaid.org
madd.ca
Canadian Institute for Health Information
Canadian Centre of Substance Abuse and Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Drug Abuse

Kids Help Phone
Canada Rehab
National Institute of Drug Abuse
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Gambling

Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse
Information on gambling and treatment
Information on the Gamblers Anonymous program (20 Questions)
The Institute of Problem Gambling
The Responsible Gaming Council
Gambling Watch

Books on Gambling

Gambling & Gaming Addictions in Adolescence
by Mark Griffiths

Best Possible Odds: Contemporary Treatment Strategies for Gambling Disorders
by Linda Chamberlain

The Gambling Addiction Patient Workbook
by Robert Perkinson