Approximately 21% of the Canadian population will experience addiction at some point in their lives—that is almost 6 million people. How does this happen? How does one become addicted to substances like methamphetamines, cocaine, or opioids, or even to a behaviour like gambling? You may have heard people say that they have an “addictive personality.” […]
The majority of people who use substances such as drugs or alcohol do so to relax or have fun. Unfortunately, for some people, using substances or engaging in certain behaviours can become problematic and may lead to abuse or addiction. In Canada, approximately 21% of the population (about 6 million people) will experience a substance […]
Addiction can have an extremely powerful impact on the brain. As complex creatures that are affected by hormones and chemical reactions, understanding how the brain works with the effects of addition is important. Even though it may be difficult, addiction can be treated. This treatment requires breaking down the addictive connections that have formed in […]
Alcoholism is a disease that develops gradually, causing significant chemical changes to the brain. If you spot a loved one drinking more and more frequently, they may be experiencing the effects of alcoholism. Recovering from alcoholism is a slow and steady process and can eventually lead to a fulfilling life not ruled by alcohol. There […]
Recovering from an addiction is a unique process for every person who goes through it, but specific trends do exist for different groups. Understanding these trends can give friends, family members, and other supporters valuable insight into a given person’s situation—and may improve the effectiveness of recovery efforts. Men and women often recover from addiction […]
Living under the burden of addiction is exhausting, discouraging, and frustrating. Unfortunately, for many people, recovery feels just as difficult if not more so. Between fighting cravings, restoring damaged relationships, and all of the other struggles associated with overcoming addiction, people often find that the lifestyle they developed during their addiction does not support their […]
There is a popular saying: you have to rebuild your life around recovery, not fit recovery into your life. It goes without staying that recovery is more than stopping the addictive behavior. It is a complete lifestyle change that spans a lifetime. Stopping the behaviour is the first step, what comes after is often the […]
It can be incredibly challenging to watch a loved one struggle with addiction. Though a meaningful, heart to heart chat may help start someone you love on the road to recovery, in many cases, individuals with addictions struggle to see and acknowledge that something is wrong. If your loved one is having trouble acknowledging the […]
No one starts out in life deciding they are going to end up addicted. Even people who grow up in difficult or destructive environments often swear that they are never going to end up like their parents, and are confident that they have the willpower to stay sober. Unfortunately, children who grow up in environments […]
Tune in this week on the Addiction Hope Forum as we discuss the opioid crisis with Calgary Fire Chief Steve Dongsworth. Over the last year more and more of the people who come through our doors have been telling us how their lives were saved by first responders, including the Calgary Fire Department. To delve […]
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