By definition, addiction is the use of a substance (alcohol, drugs, medications) or an activity (gambling, gaming, pornography, etc.) that interferes in a person’s life or causes distress to themselves or others. Addiction is a serious health condition that can damage relationships, break up families, end careers, and sometimes even lives.
Most people who have an addiction want to quit, but they feel trapped in a relentless cycle of craving, resisting, and giving in. If you or someone you know uses substances or participates in a risky activity, regardless of the consequences, it is likely an addiction. The good news: there is a way out – with the support of professionals, family and friends.
Who is affected by addiction?
There is a common misunderstanding that people with an addiction lack willpower or moral principles. As a society, we perpetuate the stigma that addiction only affects “those people.” But the truth is, addiction can affect anyone. In many cases, people turn to substances or risky activities as a way to cope with painful or traumatic experiences. And what starts as “a quick escape” turns into a habit – and then spirals into an addiction.
In Alberta, up to 20 per cent of adults have an addiction. This includes alcohol, gambling, legal and illicit drugs and a variety of other substances and types of behaviour.
How to recognize addiction.
The most common symptoms of addiction are:
- loss of control over frequency of use
- continued use, despite negative consequences
- preoccupation with using
- failed attempts to quit
What you can do.
Learn to recognize the signs and be honest with yourself. If you or someone you know has an addition, talk to a professional. There are a number of treatment options available – from medical professionals, including psychologists and counsellors – to support and recovery groups. What’s most important is to find the treatment or combination of treatments that is right for you.
For more information, check out these links:
Rush et al (2008). Prevalence of co-occurring substance use and other mental disorders in the Canadian population. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 53: 800-9.
Sussman, S., & Sussman, A. N. (2011). Considering the Definition of Addiction. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 8(12), 4025–4038. doi:10.3390/ijerph8104025
Statistics Canada (2012). Canadian Alcohol and Drug Use Monitoring Survey. Accessed at
Wild, C. (2014). Gap Analysis of Public Mental Health and Addictions Programs (GAP-MAP) Accessed at http://www.health.alberta.ca/documents/GAP-MAP-Report-2014.pdf
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