by Dr. Aleks Milosevic, C.Psych.
In this
post, we discuss how to identify when substance use becomes a problem. In our
next blog, we will offer some tips on how to help yourself or someone you know
who may be struggling with substance addiction.
There are many reasons people use substances such as alcohol
or recreational drugs. Some of us drink wine with dinner, or meet friends at a
bar or pub for drinks; some people use recreational drugs, like marijuana and
cocaine, at some point in their lives to enhance their mood when they're
feeling down. When life feels tough, we may rely on substances to alter how we
see reality or to help us feel more comfortable around other people.
Although substances can increase positive mood or enhance
social experiences, for some people substance use can lead to significant
negative consequences at school or work, with physical and emotional health, as
well as in important relationships. For individuals experiencing negative
consequences from their substance use, changing their relationship with alcohol
or drugs can be difficult and repeated, unsuccessful attempts to change can
leave them feeling hopeless.
What is a substance use “problem”?
The first step in changing a substance addiction involves
identifying whether you or someone you care about has a problem. Although this
may feel like a daunting task, it is an important first step. Addiction psychologists
recommend asking the following questions:
1. Is the substance taken in larger amounts or over
a longer period of time than was intended?
2. Has the individual persistently wanted, or
struggled to, cut down or control their substance use?
3. Is a great deal of time spent trying to obtain
the substance and recover from its effects?
4. Is there a strong desire or urge to use the
substance?
5. Has recurrent use resulted in a
failure to fulfill major obligations at work, school, or home?
6. Is there continued use despite having relationship
problems caused or worsened by the effects?
7. Are important social or work activities given up or reduced because of substance use?
8. Is there recurrent substance use in situations
in which it is dangerous (e.g., drinking and driving)?
9. Does substance use continue despite knowledge of
having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is
likely to have been caused or worsened by the substance?
10. Has tolerance
of the substance occurred (i.e., a need for more of the substance to achieve
the desired effect or diminished effect with continued use of the same amount)?
11. Is there
withdrawal from the substance when use is reduced or stopped?
Individuals experiencing some or many of these consequences as
a result of their substance use may want to consider seeking assistance to help them
reduce, control, or stop their substance use.
Read more about our Substance Use Treatment Service.
Read more about our Substance Use Treatment Service.
