Common signs of addiction include:

• Spending More Time on a Behaviour – Spending the majority of your time on or thinking about using substances or engaging in a specific behaviour, and not spending time on things you used to like doing (e.g. hobbies, sports, exercise, spending time with friends, etc.).
• Using a Substance or Behaviour to Cope – Feeling like you need to use a substance or engage in a specific behaviour to be able to cope with negative feelings, stress, or challenging situations.
• Changes in Your Mood – Experiencing increased feelings of anxiety, depression, distress, grief, anger, shame, or a sense of hopelessness.
• Experiencing Physical Withdrawal – Feeling negative physical effects when you aren’t using a substance or engaging in a specific behaviour, like headaches, stomach aches, shaking, depression, anxiety, or feeling irritable.
• Continuing, Even When It’s Causing Harm – Continuing to use a substance or engage in a specific behaviour even when it has negative consequences like finding yourself in dangerous situations, physical harm, strained relationships, not meeting your responsibilities, or struggling with school or work (e.g. losing your job, getting kicked out of school or suspended).
• Struggling to Cut Back – Feeling like you want to cut back or stop using a substance or engaging in a specific behaviour, but not being able to.
• Hiding Your Use or Behaviour – Lying to friends or family about using substances or engaging in a specific behaviour, hiding it from them, and not telling them what is happening because of feeling ashamed or embarrassed.

References:

1. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. (2020). https://www.camh.ca/-/media/files/pdf—osduhs/osduhs-mh-report2019-pdf.pdf
2. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. (2020). https://www.camh.ca/-/media/files/pdf—osduhs/drugusereport_2019osduhs-pdf.pdf
3. Government of Canada. (2021). https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/canadian-alcohol-drugs-survey/2019-summary.html

If you think you might have an addiction…

• Talk to Someone – Remember that you’re not alone. Find a trusted friend, teacher, mentor, or adult and let them know you’re struggling. Ask if they can help you connect with addiction or mental health related services or resources in your community.
• Take Care of Yourself – Try your best to prioritize daily activities that support your health and well-being like eating healthy food, taking care of your hygiene, exercising, and getting enough sleep. You might find making a schedule is helpful.
• Recognize Your Triggers – Consider what types of situations, people, environments, or events lead you to want to use substances or engage in a specific behaviour. Try replacing them with supportive people and environments to help reduce how often you experience triggers.
• Try to Minimize Harms – If you’re not able to completely stop using a substance or engaging in a specific behaviour, try finding ways to reduce the negative consequences that can happen. For example, plan for a safe ride home and don’t drive if you’re drinking, and if you plan to use substances, do it in a safe environment with someone you trust.
• Set Realistic Goals – Try setting SMART Goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timely). Celebrate any small steps you take towards achieving your goals and remember to be kind to yourself, even if you have setbacks.

How Do I Talk About It?

• Choose a time to talk when the person isn’t under the influence or high and when you’re both feeling calm
• Listen more than you talk
• Try to be non-judgemental, open, and caring
• Approach the conversation from a place of empathy and try to understand what the other person is thinking and feeling
• Try using “I” statements as much as possible to express your feelings or concerns (e.g. “I felt worried when I you _______” or “It hurts me to see you ________”)

How Can I Be Supportive?

• Learn about resources or people in your school or community that can help someone struggling with addiction or substance use
• Ask for permission before giving suggestions
• When you do give suggestions, phrase them as options and not directions that must be followed
• Find out more about addiction and substance use to better understand what the person you’re concerned about might be experiencing or feeling and why they’re acting in a certain way
• Set healthy boundaries

What Should I Not Do?

• Avoid being judgemental or critical
• Try not to take on the other person’s feelings or stress – they are not yours to own
• Be supportive, but don’t become the other person’s caretaker
• Avoid inviting the person you’re concerned about to an event or environment where substances might be used

Remember to Take Care of Yourself

When you’re supporting a friend or family member who’s experiencing an addiction, it’s also important to take care of yourself. Below are some ways you can care for yourself.

Talk to Someone

Counselling isn’t just for those experiencing an addiction. As someone providing support, you might want to talk to a counsellor too. You can connect virtually with a Crossing Bridges Addictions Counsellor to:

• Ask questions
• Learn practical strategies and tips for how to support someone experiencing an addiction
• Find out about other resources you can access as a support person

Attend Family Group

CMHA Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services has a group for anyone concerned about someone’s Internet use, gaming, or gambling. This group provides family members with a forum to discuss successes and challenges in coping with their loved ones’ addiction, healthy ways to support loved ones, and how to navigate the addiction treatment system.

Family Group is held on the 3^rd and 4^th Monday of every month from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm. Call 519-673-3242 ext. 222 to register, as space is limited.