National Addictions Awareness Week happens in November and is an incredibly important reminder about the harms related to substance use (i.e. alcohol and drugs). With an estimated one in five Canadians likely to meet the criteria for addiction in their lifetime, there’s a good chance that you or someone close to you will be affected by addiction or dependency issues. [1] With this in mind, it’s important to be able to recognize when a substance or behaviour is becoming detrimental to your or a loved one’s well-being—and to know when it’s time to get help.
Reflect and Recognize Indicators
How people use substances and engage in potentially addictive behaviours varies widely and there’s lots of grey area between beneficial and harmful. There’s also no threshold of harm for when you may decide to make a change—you don’t have to reach the bottom before you start your climb back up. Reflect on your situation and think about the consequences of your own substance use or behaviours and whether you need addiction support or want to become more informed.
One way to recognize when there’s definite cause for concern is the presence of the 4 Cs:
-
- craving
- loss of control of amount/frequency of use
- compulsion to use and
- use despite consequences.
Spotting signs of addiction in yourself—or being able to identify them for others—is a crucial first step.
Share Your Concerns with Compassion
A major barrier facing individuals with an addiction or substance use disorder is stigma—negative assumptions, beliefs and actions that often result in discrimination. Whether intentional or not, stigma can be extremely isolating. It’s often internalized by the people who experience it and may discourage them from seeking support.
When addressing concerns about addiction, it’s vital to start from a place of compassion and understanding. Approaching loved ones about this topic can be difficult, especially if they’re unaware or in denial, but it’s possible that your conversation will act as a catalyst for them to start thinking about making a change. Share encouragement without expectation, knowing that it is ultimately their decision whether to pursue change.
This rule of thumb applies to you too! If you’re coming to terms with your own addiction or dependency issues, treat yourself with the care and kindness you would show others. Don’t let negative self-talk or judgment dampen the courage it takes to acknowledge that you’re struggling.
Seek the Right Supports
As mentioned, when it comes to substance use and addiction, every person’s situation is unique. Sometimes it’s a matter of recognizing harmful patterns that you may be able to address through self-directed resources from credible sources, along with the care and encouragement of the people in your village. More often, the support of loved ones coupled with professional addiction support will set you on the path to recovery.
Accessing recovery resources can make all the difference in finding your way to a healthier future. If you or a family member is struggling and needs professional support, we’ve got you. Simply contact us to get started—we’re here to help.
Link copied to clipboard