Addiction

Addiction is a complex and pervasive issue that affects millions of people worldwide.

It doesn’t discriminate based on age, gender, or socioeconomic status; it can have devastating consequences on individuals and their loved ones.

Illustration by Viktor Koen

What Is Addiction?

Addiction is a chronic, often relapsing brain disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences.

It can involve substances like drugs and alcohol or behaviours such as gambling, gaming, or even shopping.

The hallmark of addiction is the inability to control our impulses and cravings.

Causes of Addiction

  1. Genetic Factors: Genetics play a significant role in addiction susceptibility. Research has shown that some individuals have a genetic predisposition to addiction, making them more vulnerable when exposed to addictive substances or behaviours.
  2. Environmental Factors: One’s environment can also contribute to the development of addiction. Factors like childhood trauma, peer pressure, and a lack of family support can increase the likelihood of addiction.
  3. Brain Chemistry: The brain’s reward system plays a central role in addiction. When someone engages in addictive behaviour or uses a substance, it triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure. Over time, the brain becomes desensitized, requiring more substance or behaviour to achieve the same level of pleasure.

Types of Addiction

  1. Substance Addiction: a. Drug Addiction: This includes the misuse of substances such as alcohol, nicotine, prescription medications, and illicit drugs. b. Alcohol Addiction: Excessive and compulsive alcohol consumption leads to physical and psychological dependence.
  2. Behavioural addiction: a. Gambling Addiction: Characterized by compulsive gambling despite adverse consequences. b. Internet and Gaming Addiction: Excessive use of the internet or video games that interferes with daily life. c. Food Addiction: A compulsive need to overeat, often involving high-sugar or high-fat foods.
  3. Process Addiction: a. Sex Addiction: Compulsive sexual behavior that disrupts one’s life and relationships. b. Shopping Addiction: An uncontrollable urge to shop, resulting in financial and emotional consequences.

How prevalent are substance use and addiction?

Substance use is a global phenomenon, with varying statistics depending on the specific substance.

Roughly 5% of the world’s population has experimented with illicit drugs, around 240 million individuals worldwide grapple with problematic alcohol consumption, and approximately 15 million people engage in injection drug use.

In Canada, an estimated 21% of the population, approximately 6 million people, are expected to meet the criteria for addiction at some point in their lives.

Among these, alcohol is the most frequently cited substance, accounting for 18% of cases.

Canada also boasts one of the highest rates of cannabis use globally:

  • 21% of Canadians (6.4 million) reported past-year cannabis use in 2019, up from 2017 (15%).
  • Male cannabis use (23%) exceeded female use (19%).
  • The highest usage (45%) was among young adults aged 20 to 24.
  • Daily or almost daily use increased to 27% among past-year users.
  • 75% of cannabis users combined it with other substances, with alcohol being the most common (68%).

Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Drugs:

  • 14% of Canadians used opioid pain relievers in the past year, with 6% engaging in problematic use.
  • 2% used stimulants, with 37% of users engaging in problematic use.
  • 11% used sedatives, with 3% using them to get high.

Illegal Drug Use:

  • Cocaine/crack is the most consumed illegal substance (2%).
  • Hallucinogen use (2%) was similar to cocaine/crack, and ecstasy use remained at 1%.
  • Methamphetamine/amphetamine use was reported by 0.5% of Canadians.

Recovery from Addiction

Recovery from addiction is possible with the proper support and treatment.

Here are some critical steps in the recovery process:

  1. Acknowledgment: The first step towards recovery is recognizing the addiction and its negative impact on your life.
  2. Seeking Help: Professional help from therapists, counsellors, or support groups can provide valuable guidance and support.
  3. Detoxification: Detoxification may be necessary for substance addiction to manage withdrawal symptoms safely.
  4. Rehabilitation: Inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation programs can offer structured treatment and therapy to address the underlying causes of addiction.
  5. Therapy: Behavioral cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based therapies can help learn coping strategies and prevent relapse. Also, art therapy provides a valuable outlet, offering a creative means to express and explore their emotions, experiences, and underlying issues, which can aid in the recovery process.
  6. Support Systems: Building a solid support network of friends and family can be crucial in maintaining sobriety.
  7. Lifestyle Changes: Adopting a healthier lifestyle, including diet, exercise, and stress management, can aid recovery.

Expressive Recovery

Art therapy is a captivating form of healing that empowers individuals to delve deep into their inner realms and emotions, all while embracing the freedom of creative expression.

Here’s why it serves as a guiding light for those on the path to sobriety:

  1. Self-Expression: Art therapy provides a unique avenue for expressing emotions, thoughts, and experiences without the constraints of words. It’s a canvas where feelings can be boldly displayed.
  2. Emotional Release: The act of creating art can be profoundly cathartic, offering a safe and non-destructive way to release pent-up emotions and trauma.
  3. Self-Discovery: Through art, individuals embark on a journey of self-discovery, gaining insights into their innermost thoughts and feelings. This self-awareness is a powerful catalyst for change.
  4. Coping and Transformation: Art serves as a healthy outlet, enabling individuals to redirect their energy and creativity towards a productive, positive path. It’s a means of harnessing potential and resilience.
  5. Joy and Fulfillment: Art therapy fosters a sense of accomplishment, boosts self-esteem, and cultivates joy. It’s a therapeutic space where individuals can rediscover their passions and talents.

Addiction is a multifaceted challenge, impacting not only individuals but also their loved ones and communities.

Recognizing its roots is the initial step to addressing it; with the right tools, support, and mindset, the path to recovery can become a triumphant journey of renewal and self-discovery.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance and support.

Sources

Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse. (2010). Substance Abuse in Canada: Concurrent Disorders.Retrieved from: http://www.ccsa.ca/Resource%20Library/ccsa-011811-2010.pdf

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. (2012). What is Addiction? Retrieved from: http://www.camh.ca/en/hospital/health_information/a_z_mental_health_and_addiction_information/drug-use-addiction/Pages/addiction.aspx

World Drug Report. (2015). United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Retrieved from: https://www.unodc.org/documents/wdr2015/World_Drug_Report_2015.pdf

Statistics Canada. (2015). Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders in Canada. Retrieved from: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-624-x/2013001/article/11855-eng.htm