The Impact of Addiction, Statistics & Helplines
By: Harneet Sumal
An addiction is a term frequently used to refer to any behaviour that is out of control in some manners. An addiction can occur at any age out of any circumstances. Occasional use of alcohol or drugs can gradually become a habit with the absence of awareness. Addiction usually starts as early as 15.7 years of age. The impact of addiction can be manifested in numerous ways that may or may not be noticeable.
A person might come to the point where they believe that they will never be able to go through a day without a smoke or a sip of alcohol. This leads to dependence on the substances that affect the physical, emotional, and other aspects of your health. Even though the initial decision to use a substance is voluntary. Peer pressure might make the initial decision harder to refuse. Peer pressure is one of the most common influences for substance use ranging from friends, family members, classmates and significant others from a similar age group. The side effects of the substance can cause them to want the substance(s) in their system repeatedly chasing for the high due to the neurological impacts. Some effects of drugs and alcohol include feeling high, relaxed, the sense of being away from problems, and decreased anxiety. However, substance use is not a safe method to approach life problems. There can be underlying reasons for substance use that can be approached initially including stress, mental health problems, peer pressure, feeling of emptiness, and trouble making important decisions.
Substance use alters the mindset of the use that has an addiction to a substance. Repeated drug use can lead to nervous system changes that challenge the addicted user’s self-control and construct the ability to resist the extreme compulsion to intake drugs or alcohol. “Drugs are chemicals that affect the brain by tapping into its communication system and interfering with the way neurons normally send, receive, and process information”, informed the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). The neurons can get activated by some drugs like marijuana and heroin because the drug’s chemical structure mimics that of the natural neurotransmitter. Other drugs like amphetamine or cocaine can cause the neurons to free the abnormally large amounts of natural neurotransmitters or avert the normal recycling of the brain chemicals. The separation creates an incredibly amplified message, basically disturbing the communication channels. Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that interact throughout our brain and body by sending messages. Neurotransmitters are also known as ‘chemical messengers’. When a substance affects the brain, the interaction between the brain chemicals in the brain and the body will change and affect how we receive information.
The number of students in Ontario that use a substance will experience the effect of drugs or alcohol immediately that might spark the feeling masked as a need to use it again. 42% of Ontario students surveyed have used illegal substance(s) in the year 2016. In the same year, 23% of Ontario students have been offered, sold, or given drugs, that is around 219, 000 students. 83% of Ontario students in grade 12 drink alcohol. And 49% of grade 12 students confessed to excessive alcohol in a short period of time which is also referred to as “Binge Drinking”. The four most uppermost substances used by Ontario students are: 58% = Alcohol, 25% = Cannabis (marijuana), 17% = non-prescribed use of prescription pain relievers like Codeine, Percodan or Tylenol 3, and 11.7% = Tobacco. All genders are equally likely to use a substance and get addicted to the drug or alcohol conveniently.
Craving a substance can make the user want to use the substance again and then it becomes a habit that takes ambition to break. Addiction can lead to unusual mood swings, depression, anxiety, paranoia, complications, hallucinations, confusion, blackouts, desire to engage in unsafe behaviours and risk-taking behaviours that can cause harm to oneself to others. 1 out of 4 deaths is caused due to the effects of drug addiction. Some of the physical effects of substance use are organ damage, hormone imbalance, cancer, prenatal and fertility issues, gastrointestinal disease and HIV/AIDS. When the user is under the intake of drugs or alcohol, there can be a feeling of freedom and free of restraints. This can lead to dangerous actions that can cause harm to anyone including self-harm. As per the US government agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Justice, in the state prisons, 36% of prisoners were using drugs when they committed crimes requiring the theft or damage of property, 41.9% were committing crimes involving drugs, and 22.4% prisoners committed crimes involving weapons. As an observation, drugs are a recurring reason and supplement for crimes and uncivilized behaviour.
Here is a chart of which neurotransmitter and functions are affected by which type of drug:
Substance addiction does not only affect the user physically and emotionally, it can also affect their relationships and lifestyle. The user can be more angry, irritable, and/or violent inside and outside their living space. Loved ones may be worried or concerned about the user’s state of health psychologically and physically, all aspects of life. The user’s career, friendships, family connections, education, and privileges can be at the stake. On top of that, it can be an extensive cost to obtain drugs and alcohol that adds up to be more than common expenses of living. An average user would consume 1,000–15,000 cigarettes in a year in Canada. A user can save $3,600 — $4,000 if they eliminate the use of cigarettes. Tobacco companies make more than $32 billion in a year. This denotes as smoking users increase in numbers, the more money the tobacco industry makes. Losing and spending money unwisely on drugs and alcohol creates a loss of control on life and less predictability that may lead to demotivation and a fixed mindset.
The impact of an addict can have many effects on themselves and others. If the person needs help, they can help right away from many rehabs and lines anywhere anytime. Here are multiple helplines where help is available to all:
Free Health Services Information
1–800–565–8603
Alberta (Addiction Helpline, Alberta Health Services)
1–866–332–2322
780–427–7164
British Columbia (Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service)
1–800–663–1441
604–660–9382
Manitoba (Addictions Foundations of Manitoba)
Adult services: 1–855–662–6605
Youth services: 1–877–710–3999
204–944–6200
New Brunswick (Addiction Centres, Department of Health)
506–674–4300
Newfoundland and Labrador (Addictions Services, Department of Health and Community Services)
1–888–737–4668
709–729–3658
Northwest Territories (Department of Health and Social Services)
1–800–661–0844
867–873–7037
Nova Scotia (Addiction Services Offices, Nova Scotia Health Authority)
1–866–340–6700 (Halifax Regional Municipality)
902–423–8866 (Halifax Regional Municipality)
Nunavut (Kamatsiaqtut Help Line)
1–800–265–3333
867–979–3333
Ontario (Drug and Alcohol Helpline, ConnexOntario)
1–800–565–8603
519–439–0174
Prince Edward Island (Addiction Services, Health PEI)
1–888–299–8399
902–368–4120
Quebec (Drugs: help and referral)
1–800–265–2626
514–527–2626
Saskatchewan (HealthLine, Ministry of Health)
811 or 1–877–800–0002
306–766–6600
Yukon (Alcohol and Drug Services, Health and Social Services)
1–800–661–0408, Ext. 5777
After hours: 1–800–661–0408 Ext. 8473
867–667–5777
About the Author: Harneet Sumal is a passionate writer and learner close to the end of high school. Healthcare is very important in her life and strives to do good for the community by volunteering at the hospital and the local library. Reading the latest young adult novels, watching movies, and running are among her favourite things to do during her free time. She aspires to help others, travel and enjoy life.