Addiction

Mental health is how a person thinks, feels, and acts when faced with life’s situations.

Addiction is difficult to define and can refer to many unhealthy behaviors.

It is most widely associated with substances such as caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs (marijuana, ecstacy, heroin, cocaine, crystal meth). However, people might also experience addiction to gambling, sex, internet, and even food.

How do I know if someone has an addiction issue?

How can I help another person or myself?

How do I know if someone has an addiction issue?

The Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders identifies a list of mental, physical, and behavioral symptoms of dependence and abuse. These symptoms are discussed in terms of substance use but can be applied to other addictive behaviors.

Symptoms of Substance Dependence:

• Tolerance (increased amounts/reduced effects)
• Withdrawal syndrome, or using other substances to avoid withdrawal symptoms
• Often using larger amounts or using for longer periods than intended
• A persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control use
• Spending much time obtaining the substance
• Giving up or reducing important social, work or recreational activities because of substance use
• Continuing substance use despite knowing you have a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused by use

Depending on the substance you may notice sweating, tremors, anxiety, nausea, depression, hallucinations, psychosis, insomnia, anger, or restlessness, as signs of use or withdrawal.

Symptoms of Substance Abuse:

• Recurrent substance use results in a failure to fulfill major obligations at work, school, or home – for example, absenteeism, poor work performance, suspensions or expulsion from school

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How can I help another person or myself?

Recognizing the problem is the first step.

Many services are available that respond to different needs such as, detox, counseling (individual/family), treatment, and support groups. Some examples of these services are:

DEYAS
(Downtown Eastside Youth Activities Society)
Youth Detox
Tel: 604-251-7615
Web: www.deyas.org
Email: YouthDetox@deyas.org or youthservices@deyas.org
Offers youth outreach services, alcohol and drug counseling, residential youth detox, needle exchange, information and referral.

Odyssey II
Tel: 604-879-8853 Fax: 604-879-6133
2875 St. George St Vancouver, BC V5T 3R8
Email: odyii@bgc-gv.bc.ca

Watari Youth Day Treatment Program
Tel: 604-438-3755
Fax: 604-438-3745
215A East 11th Ave Vancouver, BC V5T 2C4
Email: dayprogram@watari.org
7-week substance misuse day treatment program for high-risk youth aged 13-24. Operates under a harm reduction model.

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