Addiction happens when someone doesn’t have control over how they use drugs or alcohol. You may hear medical professionals call it “substance use disorder”. A person who has an addiction may want to stop or cut down how much they use or drink, but is likely to need extra support and help to do so.
Not everyone who uses drugs or drinks alcohol will become addicted. Drugs and alcohol can be a healthy part of how someone relaxes, has fun, or experiences new things! But, if using drugs or drinking alcohol is negatively affecting someone’s life and they don’t feel able to stop, they might have an addiction.
In this article, we focus on addiction to substances. If you have questions about porn addiction, check out our FAQ on that here!
How can I know if I or someone I know is addicted to something?
Addiction can look different for everyone, but here are some signs to look out for:
- Intense desire to use or drink regularly
- Not being able to stop using or drinking even if they want to
- Spending a lot of time thinking about the next time the person can use or drink
- Losing interest in other activities that the person once enjoyed
- Neglecting work or school responsibilities
- Withdrawing from friends or family
- Developing long-term health problems from alcohol or drug use, like liver or kidney damage
- Having physical symptoms of withdrawal when they stop using or drinking, like tremors or headaches
In Quebec, only a doctor or a nurse practitioner specialized in mental health can diagnose substance use disorder.
Can addiction be treated?
Yes, addiction can be treated. It’s not usually something that can be cured. That’s because the feeling of wanting to drink or use can come back to someone any time, and can’t be eliminated completely. So, treating addiction usually involves helping the person with an addiction stop using or drinking, or only use or drink in ways that are safe and don’t impact their life. How that happens can depend a lot on the person, and what they’re addicted to!
Certain medications can help with things like withdrawal symptoms, managing cravings, and emotional regulation when people stop using some substances. For example, some people who quit using heroin will take medications like Suboxone and Gabapentin in order to stop using without getting sick.
Some people find mental health support a good option, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or mindfulness and mediation. These kinds of therapy aim to help people address the underlying mental health issues that might make them more likely to drink or use drugs. There are also peer-led support groups that focus on supporting people currently questioning their relationship with substances. Others may decide to attend a residential treatment centre where many different types of services and support are offered. There are lots of different ways to treat addiction!
For other treatment options, you can check out some Canadian-specific resources on the Government of Canada’s website.
What is harm reduction?
Not everyone wants to stop using or drinking, and not everyone can! Harm reduction is a way of making sure that people can be as safe as possible while still doing something that is risky. One example of harm reduction is giving out free, sterile needles to people who inject drugs. This helps to lower the risk of giving or getting STBBIs through sharing supplies. Another example of harm reduction is encouraging people to drink plenty of water after drinking alcoholic drinks or taking a painkiller to help prevent a hangover!
Harm reduction supports people without judging how they use or drink. The goal is to give options for safer use, lower the risks, and let people make their own informed choices.
Can people with an addiction consent to having sex?
People with an addiction can consent to having sex. But, folks cannot consent when they are actively using substances or drinking to the point where they are too inebriated. That means if they are slurring their words, unconscious, or otherwise showing signs that they can no longer understand what is happening. So, it’s important to check in with each other if you’re having sex while drinking or using drugs!
If you’re not sure or are having doubts about someone’s ability to consent, stop and check-in with your partner when they are sober. Ongoing communication can help to make sure that everyone is enjoying themselves!
