ABSOLUTELY NO FUN - GUARANTEED!

Not only are addictions no fun, they're downright nightmares! My
challenge in this article for East Kootenay Drug Awareness Week is to
give a brief overview of how someone becomes addicted, and some
warning signs to look for.

A drug is a drug. No matter if it's Pot, Alcohol, Nicotine, Crack,
Painkillers, Tranquilizers, Heroin, or anything mood altering. Using
a substance over and over again creates a habit which will eventually
lead to harmful consequences.

Nobody sets out to be addicted. With anything humans repeatedly do
(binging a couple of times a month, or having a glass of wine when
feeling stressed) these regular patterns get set in our internal
computers, our body cells, our brains, and our internal time clocks.

Setting these habits and patterns with substances provides a double
whammy: the body begins to believe that substances are a normal part
of our physiology, and by using a substance repeatedly, the person
considers this to be the new normal.

The consequences will undoubtedly show up in one or more areas of
their lives: physical and psychological health, social/leisure time,
legal status, relationships, or work and school changes.

To protect this new normal way of life, the addicted person fails to
see the relationship between consequences and the use of substances.
This is termed "denial" and is a very strong force in protecting the
addicted person's way of life. However, family, friends, co- workers,
and those in contact with the affected person can often see the
problem, and become affected. In most cases, the addicted person is
unwilling to admit to and take responsibility for their actions.

Signs of addictions or problem use are harmful consequences and loss
of control. The person may experience any of the following:

- - injury while under the influence

- - anxiety, irritability or depression

- - trouble thinking clearly

- - blackouts

- - problems with relationships

- - spending money on substances rather than on food, rent or other essentials

- - legal problems related to substance use

- - loss of hope, feelings of emptiness.

This is a simple overview of the very complex problem of addiction.
It can be professionally explained, treated, and helped with by a
phone call or visit to our office.

The service is free and confidential and is available throughout the
East Kootenay. If you want information, need to make a lifestyle
change, or are affected by someone elses substance use, please give us a call.

We are:

East Kootenay

Addiction Services

EKASS

202-1617 Baker St.

Cranbrook,

(250) 489-4344

www.ekass.com