Substance Abuse and Its Effects

By Medha Saraiya

June 22

In Canada, it is estimated that approximately 21% of the #population (about 6 million people) will meet the criteria for #addiction in their lifetime, #alcohol and #cannabis/marijuana being the most common forms of #substance #abuse.

The four C’s are a helpful tool to distinguish if addiction is a #mentalhealth #disorder. The four C’s are:

🧠 Compulsive drug-seeking behavior.

-having an irresistible/uncontrollable urge desire to perform a specific action.

🧠 Cravings

-Drug cravings mimic physical needs like hunger or thirst. To an addicted person, drugs become as vital as food and water. Cravings can become so intense it causes insomnia or a lack of appetite.

🧠 Negative consequences

-The third C of #addiction refers to when someone continues to use drugs despite an awareness of negative consequences it will bring. #Consequences of addiction can be far-reaching: substance abuse harms a person’s #physical, #mental, #emotional, #financial, #social, and professional health.

🧠Control

-Have lost control of their drug use and, as a result, are unable to cut back or stop using.

When a person is unable to exercise any restraint when it comes to their drug-using habits, a severe addiction has set-in and treatment is essential.