The Canadian Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

The vast majority of persons who partake in the consumption of narcotics, psychoactive substances, or alcoholic beverages do so to relax or have fun.

Unfortunately, for some people, participating in certain behaviour or using drugs can become troublesome and may eventually lead to misuse or addiction. These problems can be avoided by avoiding behaviour that can lead to these problems.

mental health conversation

After then, it is almost unavoidable that you will go to the centre for addiction and mental health.

At some point in their lives, around 21 percent of the population of Canada, which equates to nearly 6 million people, may struggle with a drug use problem or addiction.

The Canadian Centre for Information and Research on Substance Use and Addiction identifies the following as the top five addictions in the country of Canada:

  • Alcohol
  • Gambling
  • Cannabis
  • Cocaine
  • Methamphetamine Opioids and Prescription Drugs

In this article, we will talk about the consequences of key addictions and highlight ways to get rid of them.

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Alcohol

Alcohol is the substance consumed the most frequently in Canada, even though it is a legal substance well-known for having psychoactive effects.

Effects of Alcohol on One’s Health

Most people drink more than they should when they drink alcohol.

Alcohol’s adverse effects on one’s body and relationships with others can be exacerbated by excessive use.

Among these potential dangers are the following: Immediate dangers include intoxication, momentary lapses of memory, physical harm, aggressive behaviour, accidental overdose, and other potentially dangerous situations.

Addiction, a higher chance of cancer, persistent memory impairments, heart disease, mental health concerns, and social problems are some of the long-term hazards. 

Tips for getting rid of alcohol addiction:

  • Think about why you drink
  • Don’t be afraid to talk about the problem with those close to you
  • Change your surroundings
  • Find a new hobby which gives you time to think about your drinking habits

If all else fails, seek help from the centre for addiction and mental health.

Our center uses new directions for alcohol, drug and gambling problems, which provides highly effective treatment.

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Cocaine and Similar Drugs

The coca plant leaves are used in the illicit production of the stimulant known as cocaine. It is ingested in various forms, but the most prevalent usage for it is as a narcotic for recreational purposes.

  • Roughly two percent of Canadians have admitted to using cocaine in some way
  • The percentage of persons between the ages of 20 and 24 who use cocaine is rising.

Cocaine use is linked to a wide variety of health hazards, including the following:

  • increased heart rate and blood pressure
  • overdose and addiction
  • difficulty sleeping
  • loss of weight
  • mental health concerns
  • headaches

How Can You Help Yourself?

  • “Educate yourself on the disease of addiction, primarily on the mental and physical repercussions of cocaine usage and prospective treatment and support alternatives.” Educate yourself on the disease of addiction, specifically the mental and physical implications of cocaine misuse.
  • Be patient and persistent, but at the same time, do not enable anybody else to use or misuse drugs. Make it very clear that although you do not support the individual’s drug use, you do keep the individual.
  • Do not provide an individual you care about with financial assistance or make excuses for their drug usage. Instead, establish limits, and be resolute in your commitment to upholding them.
  • Assist the individual in understanding why you find drug usage unacceptable and how their actions might have real-world repercussions but refrain from issuing empty threats to them. 

Centre for addiction and mental health is always ready to help you fight against cocaine addiction.

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Gambling

Many people in Canada indulge in the pastime of gambling, which is entirely legal to do so. Regrettably, gambling may quickly become an obsessive-compulsive disorder and a source of significant problems for some people.

The Centre for addiction and mental health warns: Gambling addiction has been related to the following:

  • Suicide and depression
  • Financial ruin
  • Disintegration of the family unit or violent behaviour

These impacts can have a terrible effect on the person who is affected and the people around them.

The Current State of Gambling in Canada

Less than 0.7 percent of Canadians report having a gambling addiction, even though over 75 percent of Canadians have gambled at some point in their lives.

Other recent developments in gaming in Canada include the following:

  • The lottery is the most common type of gambling in Canada.
  • The percentage of persons who have a gambling addiction is on the decline.
  • Gambling addicts in Canada often lose more than half a million dollars each year. 
Word gambling written on glass

How to Stop Gambling

To help those who suffer from gambling addiction, we’ve put up a list of strategies you may use right now.

  • Acknowledging a problem and making a sincere commitment to change are the first steps in dealing with an addiction. If gambling has strained relationships to the breaking point, this may be easier said than done, but it can be done.
  • If your gambling habit has created financial difficulties if you’ve drained your funds or turned to fraud or theft to maintain your addiction, admit it. Leave your money management in the hands of someone you can trust.
  • In-person, online, or on social media, don’t engage with gamblers. Make sure you steer clear of gambling establishments such as casinos, racing tracks, and pubs.
  • Take a break for at least 30 minutes if they need to eat too strong. While a half-hour may seem like an eternity, cravings frequently subside if you persevere. Take a stroll, read a book, or engage in some other form of distraction.
  • Taking up jogging, high-intensity physical training, or rock climbing might help you rekindle your sense of adventure if you’ve been lacking it lately. Deep breathing, yoga, or mindfulness meditation are better alternatives than gambling if you’re looking for a stress reliever.
  • Contact someone who can help you. Contact state-funded or local gambling addiction services.

Where to Find Help in Grey Bruce?

Today, mental health and addiction services are top-rated in Canada and worldwide. But not everyone can quickly find the answer to the question “Where to find help in Grey Bruce.”

We have selected for you several organizations that provide mental health and addiction services in Grey Bruce:

  • CHOICES: Drug and Alcohol Counselling for Youth. Services for kids with substance abuse issues, those at risk, and those impacted by the use of drugs by another person are available. For parents, there are also information and counselling services. It is located in Owen Sound, with outreach to Grey-Bruce secondary schools. 
  • New Directions for Alcohol, Drug & Gambling Problems. It helps those who have issues with drug misuse or gambling and those who have several disorders simultaneously and people whose lives have been damaged by the substance abuse or gambling problems of others. 
  • Mental Health Crisis Line of Grey & Bruce. People who are going through difficult times can call this support line at any time of day or night, any day of the year. Under the supervision of specialists, trained volunteers offer callers compassionate and non-judgmental assistance and aim to empower them to explore answers to the problems they are experiencing in their lives. 
  • Assertive Community Treatment Team. Individuals who have severe mental illness can access various intense community-based services this organization provides. Using an approach centred on the client and involves many disciplines, this service provides treatment and rehabilitation and support.

You can always turn to these organizations for help with addiction recovery, getting these services exactly when you need them.