05 Dec Top Addiction Canada Resources You Should Know About
Introduction to Addiction Canada
In Canada, the rates of addiction continue to increase. At a minimum, more than 20% of Canadians have issues that are related to some form of addiction. However, this statistic does not include those that are impacted by their loved ones’ addiction. In order to truly understand the impact of addiction, the negative damage that it can do to friends and loved ones should also be understood.
For those struggling with addiction or who know someone who is struggling, finding the right resources can be a challenge. This blog was created with that in mind and is a collection of some of the best resources in Canada along with tips to prevent addiction and answering some of the most asked questions.
Addiction Resources in Canada
Canada Wide
Canadian Center on Substance use and Addiction: evidence-based information and resources related to substance use, alcohol, and other drug-related harms.
Website: https://www.ccsa.ca/
Canada Drug Rehab: An alcohol and drug addiction directory for rehab and other addiction-related services.
Website: https://www.canadadrugrehab.ca/
Toll-Free Helpline: 1-866-694-6964
Local 24/7: 1-604-814-6208
Kids Help Phone: A 24/7 crisis line for children and youth across Canada.
Phone: 1-800-668-6868
Website: https://kidshelpphone.ca/
British Columbia
BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services: Substance use and mental health services for children to adults across the province.
Website: http://www.bcmhsus.ca/
Alberta
Addiction and Mental Health Helpline: A 24/7 hotline that provides help for addiction and confidential service including information, support, and referrals to all Alberta citizens.
Phone: 1-866-332-2322 (Toll-free within Alberta)
Manitoba
Addictions Foundation of Manitoba: Offer a variety of services and programs for youth to adults for those who may be struggling with addiction.
Adult services: 1-855-662-6605
Youth services: 1-877-710-3999
Website: https://afm.mb.ca/
Ontario
ConnexOntario: a 24/7 hotline that offers information and treatment options for issues related to gambling, drugs, mental health, or alcohol.
Phone: 1-866-531-2600 (Toll-free)
Quebec
Loto-Quebec Helpline: Offers resources and a map of 100+ local treatment centers for individuals with a gambling addiction.
Toll-Free: 1-866-767-5389
Website: https://societe.lotoquebec.com/en/home
Addiction Prevention Tips
There isn’t really a guaranteed way to prevent someone from forming an addiction. Something may work for some but not for others. However, there are certain things that everyone can do to try and prevent addiction from occurring.
- Understand how addiction develops: Knowing some of the ways that addiction is developed can help you to avoid them. This can include recreational use of prescription or illicit drugs, only feeling fulfilled when engaged with possible addiction (gambling, sex, alcohol), and feeling like there is a constant need for the substance. These can be signs that a possible addiction may be forming.
- Avoid peer pressure: For younger people, peer pressure plays a major role in the formation of addiction. If an individual is surrounded by friends and support systems that abuse substances or have an addiction, there is a greater chance that they are also likely to become addicted. This can be avoided by developing healthy friendships or relationships that do not peer pressure. If possible, plan ahead to not hang out with these people or make an excuse as to why you can’t participate.
- Acknowledge and seek help for mental illness: If you think you have any form of mental illness like anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), seek help from a professional. This is because mental health and addiction or substance abuse are often seen together in the brain of individuals.
- Learn stress management strategies: Oftentimes, addiction can stem from stress when something in life is missing or not working. Learning stress management strategies can help you learn skills to cope with these stressors, including divorce, losing a job, or loss of a loved one. Examples of stress management strategies can include exercise, creating a routine, or doing something you enjoy that helps you relax.
FAQ
What is an addiction Hotline?
Addiction hotlines are phone numbers that are dedicated to helping individuals and their loved ones. They are completely anonymous and operate 24/7, and connect you with someone who can provide the required information and resources. Benefits include:
- Treatment referrals
- Counselling
- Peer support
Is addiction treatment effective and worth the cost?
There are numerous factors that can determine whether or not treatment is successful, including the patient and the facility. The facility can also influence the cost. Ultimately, addiction costs thousands of dollars has a negative impact on physical and mental health and can be detrimental to friends and family. So even though treatment can be expensive, it is effective and worth it.
How do I talk to my kids about drugs?
Parents/Guardians are the most important role model to children, and one of their greatest defences against addiction. It is essential to have open communication with children to strengthen your relationship. Sometimes, weaker relationships can cause children to drift apart, resulting in addiction or substance use. Don’t be afraid to acknowledge and enforce boundaries, but make sure you listen to what they have to say. Make sure there is an understanding of the effect of drug use on possible things they care about, such as sports or appearance. This can be beneficial to counteract possible peer pressure. Starting early is one of the best ways to tackle possible addiction or drug use.
Conclusion
Like other health conditions, addiction requires support and care that can be provided by professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills. While some may be able to recover from addiction without assistance, this is not the case for the majority of people. When seeking support and services, the key is to ask the right questions to help make decisions that are right for the individual. This guide is a starting point for a recovery journey, but should not be used in place of an addiction or healthcare provider. Reach out to Andy Bhatti and his team for any required intervention or addiction services.