For people living with addiction, anxiety can be both a cause and an effect, a frequent companion through the highs and lows of substance abuse. Understanding this connection is not just about tracing the path of the problem but also about illuminating a path to recovery. To successfully recover from addiction while grappling with a […]
Category: Understanding Addiction
The 5 Stages of Addiction
Addiction isn’t a one-time event; it’s a journey that unfolds through various stages. Each person’s path with addiction is unique, with the duration and intensity of each stage differing from one individual to another. Recognizing and understanding these stages can be instrumental in breaking the cycle and seeking help, whether for yourself or a loved […]
How to Help Addicts in Denial
As a family member of someone experiencing addiction, watching them refuse to acknowledge their problem can be frustrating, heartbreaking and even infuriating. Addiction can cause people to lose sight of the truth, leaving them unaware of their behaviour’s negative impact on themselves and those around them. However, with guidance for addiction, it is possible to […]
Telltale Signs of Addiction
Substance use disorder—commonly known as addiction—is a complex medical condition that can affect people differently. Substance use is common for many people and occurs at many different levels, so it can be difficult to know when a person’s behaviour and habits signal a change from beneficial or low-risk use to high-risk use and substance abuse […]
How Peer Pressure Can Lead to Addiction
As we navigate growing up, building friendships, and finding our place in social circles, encounters with peer pressure are all too common. These moments present us with choices that might go against our personal beliefs and values, particularly when it comes to using substances like drugs and alcohol. While peer pressure is often associated with […]
Signs of a Fentanyl Overdose
The signs of a fentanyl overdose include: If someone you know has taken opioids and is experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it is vital to seek immediate assistance by calling 911. Naloxone can also be administered to temporarily block the effects of opioids while help arrives. Substance use disorder is a complex health […]
Trauma & Addiction: The Link that can’t be Ignored
Trauma and addiction are closely related, but why? How does trauma impact a person’s brain and correlate to an increased risk of addiction? Read below to learn more and access the help you or someone you love may need in order to get better. What Is Trauma? Trauma describes distressing events in a person’s life […]
How Addiction Affects Mental Health
Addiction and mental health are delicately intertwined. People struggling with addiction can often experience diminished mental health, particularly when they feel like they have no resources or a support system to turn toward. Understanding how addiction to drugs or alcohol can lead to mental health issues and how to recognize symptoms of mental illness is […]
Why Do People Get Addicted to Drugs?
Almost 21% of the Canadian population will experience addiction at some point in their lives. Drug addictions account for a significant portion of addicted people, with some common examples being cannabis and opioid painkillers. It’s crucial to understand how people get addicted to drugs in the first place before we can provide any help. Learning […]
What Should I Do If Addiction Runs in My Family?
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.” […]