FR

Addiction

DAY 4: ADDICTION


  1. What is addiction?  How can we identify it?

behaviour that is out of control in some way. 


You can identify it using “the four Cs” 

Craving

Loss of control of amount or frequency of use

Compulsion to use

Use despite consequences








  1. What signs are used to indicate whether a person’s behavior is risky or already a problem?

Symptom

Examples


Harmful consequences


These can affect every aspect of a person’s life.  

Injuries while under the influence

Feeling of anxiety, irritability or depression

Trouble thinking clearly

Blackouts

Problems with relationships

Spending money on substances, rather than on food, rent or other essentials

Legal problems related to substance use

Loss of hope, feeling of emptiness


Loss of control



Some people may not see that their use is out of control and causing problems. This is called denial.

Whether they realize it or not, lack of control is another sign that substance use is a problem


  1. What is the correlation between substance use and mental health?


Substance use can induce psychiatric symptoms.  Ex: excess cocaine could cause someone to become paranoid.

Substance use can lead to psychosocial problems. Severe paranoia could lead to problems in relationships, trouble at work, and trouble with the law. These problems could then lead to depression.

Sometimes there is no correlation between the two. If one problem is addressed, the other will still be present.

For some, getting one under control, could help with the other. For others, controlling substance use will only make their mental health symptoms more active

Understanding the relationship between the two is critical when choosing treatment strategies









  1. What can people with addiction problems do to change their behavior?


Self-change (making changes on your own using self-help materials)

Self-help groups (people working together to change)

Harm reduction (learn to use substances more safely, recognizing signs of overdose, providing clean needles, substitution for a safer drug)

Counselling (aims to increase awareness, helps people examine thoughts and emotions, manage cravings, adopt healthier lifestyle)

Medication (can help with addictions to alcohol, nicotine, heroine and pain medications)

Withdrawal management (helps to manage symptoms associated with stopping)