Understanding substance use – together we can help

Each year, 1 in 5 Canadians experiences a mental health or substance use challenge. The pandemic has amplified mental health concerns, including a trend of increasing substance use. Read on to learn about substance use, when it might be a problem and how we can help ourselves and others who might be struggling.

When is substance use a problem?

Substance use can be viewed on a continuum. In most cases, substance use does not harm individuals or others as using a substance doesn’t always mean that we have a substance use problem.

Source: https://smho-smso.ca/smh-professionals/learn-more/problematic-substance-...

In a small percentage of cases, it may progress along the continuum and become problematic or potentially harmful. The following are key signs that substance use may need to be addressed:

1. Loss of control over use of substances and finding it difficult to cut down use.
    
2. Risky use e.g., driving under influence, using copious amounts at a time (binge use), repeated use despite negative physical consequences.
    
3. Increased amount of use to get the desired effects.
    
4. Withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance.

Challenges in our social environment such as not fulfilling work, school or home responsibilities, and deterioration of relationships as a result of use.

If use is becoming problematic or potentially harmful, seeking help early is best, but it may not be easy due to a number of factors. It’s never too late to seek help!

Why can seeking help be challenging?

There are several reasons why seeking help can be a challenge. A few of the key ones are:

• Stigma - There is still substantial stigma around substance use problems. Personally, we may feel weak and unsure of what others might say, or we may feel like we will be judged.
   
• We don’t recognize that it is an issue - It is common to minimize the negative effects of use, deny we may be struggling, and not fully recognize the effects it may be having on our lives and those around us.
   
• Access to care - Substance use services can be a challenge to access. We may not know where to seek help and professional help can be costly in addition to having long wait-times, depending on where you live.

How do we help ourselves?

• Challenge and overcome stigma – We need to remind ourselves that substance use challenges are a medical concern – not a personal weakness.  Substances affect our mind and body, changing the way they function and often making it difficult for us to address use on our own without support.
   
• Seek advice from a professional - Seek advice from someone who can help you develop an action plan to address the challenge and supports you to overcome it.
   
• Foster social support - Cultivate relationships with those you trust to help you on your path to recovery.
   
• Cultivate self-compassion – Overcoming a substance use challenge is not easy and is often a “bumpy” path. Practicing kindness with ourselves is a great way to self-soothe.

How do we help others?

Talking to someone we know about their substance use challenge can be difficult and is often best handled from a supportive frame of reference. Key things you can do are:

• Avoid criticism and judgment - This is regarding the person’s choices or the reasons behind them.
   
• Show compassion - Foster a supportive environment that supports willingness to change. Emphasize that getting help takes courage, strength, and support from others.
   
• Be there for them - Remind them they are not alone in their journey.

What kind of help is out there?

Help can be in many forms the best help is personalized, often depending on the individual’s preferences. Here are some additional resources which may be helpful:

• Self-help resources - Through supports like Wellness Together Canada or other resources through your local Employee and Family Assistance (EAP) program. Also check out Health Canada's resource on getting help with substance use in your area.
   
• Professional counseling - If privacy is preferred, 1:1 counseling with a trained professional could prove most useful.
   
• Group interventions - If there are feelings of isolation and a need to connect with others in a similar situation, group interventions are a sure bet. If relatives and loved ones provide us with strength, why not try a family intervention?

Substance use challenges can be difficult to face, but we don’t have to face them alone. Support from others and help in developing a personalized recovery plan are the two most important factors that can make all the difference. Together we can help!

If you're interested in learning more about how clinicians at Lifemark can help, check out our mental health services page.  To schedule an appointment with an Occupational Therapist, book online or find a clinic near you.

This blog was written by Yingyan Lin & Isa Mendez, Occupational Therapy students at McGill University.