GETTING HELP FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSERS

Substance use falls on a continuum based on frequency, intensity, and
degree of dependency. The transition from use that may be "normal" to
use that is problematic can be a slow, gradual process.

Alternatively, problem substance use can occur more quickly, such as
heavy drinking following a relationship loss, or increased dependence
on pain medications following an accident.

Addiction, the most serious level of substance use, is a disorder
identified with loss of control, preoccupation with disabling
substances, and continued use or involvement despite negative consequences.

The problems that can develop from substance misuse vary from mild to
severe, and can involve a multitude of life functioning areas.
Problems experienced from substance misuse can include immediate
consequences such as a hangover following a night of excessive
alcohol consumption. However, as substance use becomes more
problematic, individuals can experience larger losses such as legal
consequences, job loss, health problems, relationship problems or
increased debt.

How quickly the use of alcohol or a drug becomes problematic,
however, really depends on the individual, their behaviour, and
factors within the physical, psychological, economic, spiritual,
social, and legal contexts.

What Do I Do If I Have a Problem With My Substance Use?

Getting help for a substance use problem can be scary. If you believe
that you have a problem with your substance use, you are likely
feeling scared already. It is important to recognize that you are not
alone. There are millions of people across North America struggling
with substance use issues, many successfully.

It is important to recognize that you can get help at any point along
the way, and the sooner you address your problems, the sooner you can
create the life that you really want. Some important steps that you
can take if you have a problem with substance use include:

1. Get honest with yourself! You know deep down on some level that
your use is a problem. It is time to be direct with yourself about
this, so that you can address your needs head-on. The sooner you do,
the easier it will be.

2. Challenge your fears! It is easy to believe that something is
"wrong" with you, or that you are somehow weak, inadequate or sick
because of your problems with substance use. These myths are not
true. People use alcohol and other drugs to address a wide range of
issues. It is important for you to discover yours.

3. Talk to someone about your problems and fears. You may want to
involve someone close to you with your process, for additional
support. This could be a spouse, friend, or family member. Just
sharing your issues with someone you trust can make it much easier to
reach out for additional support.

4. Reach out and get help! There are a variety of resources and
services available for persons wanting help with a substance use
problem. You can find out what kind of help is available from your
doctor, clergy or an employee assistance program (EAP). Therapists,
community health agencies and alcohol/other drug treatment programs
also provide valuable services. Additional resource information can
be found at the end of this article.

Helping Someone Close to You With a Substance Use Problem

Substance use problems impact not only the person using, but others
around them. Experience shows that for every person with an alcohol
or other drug problem, at least four others are affected by their
behaviour. Frequently with problem substance use, it is family and
friends who first recognize that a person's use of alcohol or other
drugs has become problematic.

Initially a person who sets out to help someone with a substance use
problem can feel alone, embarrassed, and uncertain about where to
turn to for help. You may not have much information about substance
misuse, or have misinformation, thinking of persons who misuse drugs
as having a lack of willpower or moral weakness. It is important for
you to gain some understanding about substance use so that you can be
as effective as possible in supporting your loved one, as well as
addressing the impact their use has had on you. It is important to
understand that each person is unique-in their reasons for using
alcohol or drugs, their reactions to these drugs, and their readiness
for treatment.

While you are not responsible for their use or their recovery, you
are in a good position to offer help and support, because you know
their personal qualities and lifestyle well. On the previous page are
some do's and don'ts that may help you in addressing the substance
use of someone close to you.

Where to Get Help in BC

Phone Resources - Alcohol and Drug Referral Service: Information and
referral service available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Toll
free in BC: 1-800-663-1441.

On-Line Resources - Substance Information Link: has a variety of
resources from the Centre for Addictions Research of BC: www.silink.ca

Problem Substance Use Workbook: A self-paced workbook to
understanding more about the impacts of problem alcohol or drug use
behaviour and treatments. www.heretohelp.bc.ca, click on Help Me With.

Prevention Source BC: a variety of resources related to addiction,
with a specific focus on prevention: www.preventionsource.org

My Room: a kid's site: www.aadac4kids.com

Zoot2: a site for teenagers: www.zoot2.com

You and Me Smokefree!: an anti-smoking site from Health Canada, aimed
at youth: www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hecs-sesc/tobacco/youth

Self-help Organizations - Narcotics Anonymous (NA): www.bcrscna.bc.ca