Risk Factors and Support of Substance Abuse and Addiction
Family History of Substance Use
more common in families with drug addictions
Due to passed on genetics relatives with addictions can possibly pass it off to their relative/kid
Could be passed off from uncle or brother, not necessarily parent
Substance Using Peers
Pressures from friends can increase the risk of addiction
The people you're around rub off on the person you become
People wanna feel accepted by their friends so if drugs are the way to do it, some people do it
Early use
Using drugs at a young age or just being exposed to them increases you chances pf becoming addicted at an older age
A young brain is easily changeable which is why most habits are developed at a younger age
When a young brain is developing drugs and substances cause changes to the brain and increase your chances of being addicted
Support Systems
Phychological support
Wellness Together Canada
Contact: 1-866-585-0445
Adults text WELLNESS to 741741
Youth text WELLNESS to 686868
Frontline workers text FRONTLINE to 741741
Immediate, 24/7, free and confidential mental health and substance use help
Interpretation services available during phone-counselling sessions in over 200 languages and dialects
Medication
Nicotine patch, gum, or inhaler - for nicotine addiction
Acamprosate - for insomnia and depression
Naltrexone(Revia) - for alcohol craving
Mental Health Disorders
Includes depression, ADHD, PTSD, etc.
People resort to drugs and substances as an escape from the feelings they have like anxiety, depression, loneliness
Drugs only creates more problems in the long run but it makes people feel good and relaxed in the moment
