When does alcohol and substance use become a problem?
When consumed in excess, alcohol and substance use can lead to lasting, long-term damage to the body and the brain. Their effects can also pose a danger not only to you, but to others as well if you choose to drive while under the influence. Illegal, unregulated substances such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamines, among others, are particularly harmful due to their addictive qualities. Dependence can ensue, leading to addiction.
However, dependence can also occur with legal substances such as alcohol, cannabis, prescription and over-the-counter medications. It is especially important to pay attention to their consumption as they are more easily accessible.
Primary signs of alcohol and substance abuse to notice in yourself or your loved ones
Alcohol and substance use becomes a problem when it is consumed in excess, when it then can lead to a dependency. The common first signs of an addiction can be easily remembered through the acronym ABCDE:
- inability to abstain
- little control over behaviour
- craving or “hunger” for substances or rewarding experiences
- decreased ability to recognize major problems in their behaviour and relationships
- a problematic emotional response
Illegal, unregulated substances such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamines, among others, are particularly harmful due to their addictive qualities. Dependence can ensue, leading to addiction.
However, dependence can also occur with legal substances such as alcohol, cannabis, prescription and over-the-counter medications. It is especially important to pay attention to their consumption as they are more easily accessible.
(More information to be found at https://www.camh.ca)
Impacts of alcohol and substance abuse
While the overuse of substances and alcohol can lead to long-term damage to the body and to the brain, it can also affect countless other facets of an individual’s life such as their emotional well-being, their finances, their relationships with friends and family, their work life and social life and their energy levels.
Alcohol and Substance Use in the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has become a big risk factor for the increase of alcohol and substance abuse amongst individuals of all ages. Since the pandemic, people all around the world have felt a shift with concern to their mental health and well-being. In other words, there has been a resounding increase in anxieties and stress due to COVID-19 related issues such as the fear of getting yourself or your loved ones sick, financial issues, and social isolation and loneliness. Therefore, it is common that individuals have been turning to alcohol and substance more than usual because of the temporary relief it can provide.
How can I regulate my alcohol consumption and substance use and reduce my risks of alcohol and substance abuse?
Excessive alcohol and substance use often stems from stress and other overwhelming emotions such as fear and anxiety. The first thing to do is to take care of your mental health, and minimize stress and anxieties in your life as much as you can. Practice self-care and consider engaging in healthier coping options such as:
- Staying active
- Doing activities you enjoy
- Staying connected with friends and family
- Finding a balance to take a break from listening to COVID-19 news
- Being kind to yourself
- Taking care of your body: eat, sleep, stay hydrated, and exercise
- Reaching out for help
Recovery is possible
People can and do recover from addiction. Recovery from addiction is best achieved through a mix of a support system, professional care and attention and self regulation strategies. If you want to recover but are having difficulty doing so by yourself, your doctor can help determine the best treatment options for you. You may also consider reaching out to one of the organizations below for more information:
Alcohol and Substance Use Resources
Connex Ontario : A free and confidential helpline for anyone who is experiencing problems with alcohol and drugs, mental illness or gambling. The helpline provides information on various quality health and human services information. There are French-speaking agents to help accommodate francophone students.
Good2Talk provides free, anonymous counselling and referrals for addictions to post-secondary students in Ontario.
Wellness Together Canada is a free service for anyone looking for support for mental health and substance use concerns.
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) gives further insight into the symptoms of addiction, the causes, the proceedings of treatment, and more.
Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction : provides information on substance use.
DrinkSmart: A non-profit organization based in Waterloo providing tips and interactives to promote safe and responsible drinking to college and university students.