Addiction and Substance Misuse2021-09-13T16:57:06+00:00

What is Addiction and Substance Misuse?

Problematic substance use is the use of any psychoactive substance in a manner, situation, amount, or frequency that is harmful to the individual or to society. [1] Addiction is characterized by behaviours that have become out of control, such as gambling or alcohol and other drug use. Many people with a substance use or gambling problem have a co-occurring mental health problem.

Many people with a substance use or gambling problem have a co-occurring mental health problem. Trauma, especially in childhood, is often linked to addiction problems and is more likely to affect the most vulnerable people and populations. [2]

FACTS AND STATS

  • Canadians use alcohol most commonly. In 2015, 3.3 million Canadians consumed enough alcohol to be at risk for immediate injury, while at least 4.3 million consumed enough to be at risk for long-term health effects such as liver damage.
  • Almost 4 million Canadians aged 15 years and older reported that they used at least one illegal substance in the past year. Illegal substances included cannabis, cocaine/crack, ecstasy, hallucinogens, heroin or speed/methamphetamines.[3]
  • Drug use and abuse in Canada is a problem that not only ruins the lives of the users and their families, but also costs taxpayers $22.8 billion per year. This cost is from treatment for drug abusers, as well as hiring additional law enforcement and equipment. [4]

Why is it Important?

Addiction can affect all parts of a person’s life, including their physical health, brain function, emotional well-being, finances, work life and social relationships, including with family. Each family member is uniquely affected by a person’s substance use or gambling problem.[5]

Problems occur when substance use causes harm to an individual, their family and friends, or their communities.

Problematic substance use is an ongoing public health and safety concern in Canada. It is estimated that approximately one in five Canadians aged 15 years and older experiences a substance use disorder in their lifetime.

The estimated total cost to society of alcohol and illegal drug use in 2014 was $38.4 billion, with tobacco and alcohol accounting for almost 70% of the total. [6]

What Does it Look Like?

The indicators of addiction can be summarized using the memory aid ABCDE (ASAM, 2011):

  • 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.

See Addictions and Substance Misuse in the Mental Health Training Framework document

Mental Health Training Framework

Resources

Toolkits

Videos

Domestic Violence & Addictions and Mental Health Parts 1 and 2 (AHS)

Addiction and Substance Misuse, Addiction and Substance Misuse Videos, Individual, Organization, Professional, Videos|

This AHS video series includes - Part 1: Key messages include Prolonged exposure to violence is associated with onset, duration and recurrence of mental health disorders/addictive behaviours. 2: Responding to Domestic Violence. (38 minutes) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EyBaHexy-U

Online Training

Developmental Pathways of Addiction and Mental Health

Addiction and Substance Misuse, Addiction and Substance Misuse Online Training, Online, Online Training, Training|

This AHS Mental Health and Addictions Learning Series offers a web- based interactive e-Learning curriculum designed to support healthcare providers to enhance their practice working with children, youth and their families experiencing addiction and mental health issues. The focus of these modules is to help health providers recognize and reduce

Harm Reduction Approach Overview

Addiction and Substance Misuse, Addiction and Substance Misuse Online Training, Online, Online Training, Training|

The State of New York Department of Health offers an introduction to basic philosophy and practices of HIV/STI/HCV harm reduction with regards to substance use and sexual risk behavior. The webinar provides an opportunity to reflect on your values and attitudes regarding harm reduction, as well as learn specific harm

PACES Provincial Addiction Curricula and Experiential Skills Training/Alberta Opioid Dependency Treatment Virtual Training

Addiction and Substance Misuse, Addiction and Substance Misuse Online Training, Online, Online Training, Training|

The focus of the Alberta ODT Virtual Training Program through AHS is to provide healthcare providers with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes when providing care to patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). (7 modules, 25-35 minutes each) Competency: Knowledge, Behavioural Audience: General Cost: Free  

Prescription Drug Training for Youth and Adults

Addiction and Substance Misuse, Addiction and Substance Misuse Online Training, Online, Online Training, Training|

The Spirit of Healing offers 2 courses. The course for youth focuses on safe and unsafe use of prescription and over-the-counter medication and encourages using traditional and alternative ways to stay safe, healthy and balanced in all areas - mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. The adult course provides information on

The Brain Story Certification

Addiction and Substance Misuse, Addiction and Substance Misuse Online Training, Online, Online Training, Training|

The Alberta Family Wellness Initiative’s new course has been streamlined and is more concise, but continues to provide a deeper understanding of brain development and its connection to addiction and mental health. The course now includes a new bibliography, a new glossary, an improved navigation system, updated videos and reflective

References

  1. Government of Canada. (2018). Strengthening Canada’s Approach to Substance Abuse Issues. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use/canadian-drugs-substances-strategy/strengthening-canada- approach-substance-use-issue.html#a2
  2. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. (2018). Addiction 101. Retrieved from https://moodle8.camhx.ca/moodle/mod/book/view.php?id=82
  3. Government of Canada. (2018). Strengthening Canada’s Approach to Substance Abuse Issues. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use/canadian-drugs-substances-strategy/strengthening-canada- approach-substance-use-issue.html#a2
  4. Canada Centre for Addictions. (2019). Retrieved from https://canadiancentreforaddictions.org/drug-use-and-abuse-in-canada/
  5. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. (2018). Addiction 101. Retrieved from https://moodle8.camhx.ca/moodle/mod/book/view.php?id=82
  6. Government of Canada. (2018). Strengthening Canada’s Approach to Substance Abuse Issues. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use/canadian-drugs-substances-strategy/strengthening-canada-approach-substance-use-issue.html#a2
  7. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Addiction 101. Retrieved from https://moodle8.camhx.ca/moodle/mod/book/view.php?id=82
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