For people who struggle with drugs and alcohol, it can sometimes be difficult to seek out help and support. If you are looking for help, want to get into detox or treatment or you want to support someone struggling in addiction - please look at our available resources.
Approximately 10% of the population is addicted to drugs or alcohol. Addiction is more common than diabetes, which occurs in approximately 7% of the population.
Signs of Addiction
An addiction has two basic qualities:
1. You sometimes use more than you would like to use. For example, one drink leads to more drinks, or one line of cocaine leads to more. Or you can’t stop once you’ve started.
2. You continue to use despite negative consequences. For example, you continue to drink even though it has hurt your relationships or cost you your job.
People only stop using drugs and alcohol when they have suffered enough negative consequences. When you've suffered enough pain and enough regret you are ready to stop.
You don't have to hit rock bottom.
You may have hurt friends and family. You may have disappointed yourself. You possibly have traded important things in your life so that you could make more time to use. You may have lived a double life. You may have seen the hurt in your family's eyes, and the disappointment in your children's faces. Those are the consequences that can motivate you to begin recovery.
Recognizing that you have a problem is the first step on the road to recovery, one that takes tremendous courage and strength. Facing your problem without minimizing the issue or making excuses can feel frightening and overwhelming, but recovery is within reach. If you’re ready to seek help, you can overcome your addiction and build a satisfying, alcohol & drug-free life for yourself.
Here are some resources you can use if you have decided to give recovery a try:
Together We Can
604-451-9854
Into Action Recovery Society
778-231-8565
New West Recovery
Last Door - Men & Westminster House - Ladies
Last Door - 1-855-910-5942
Westminster House - 1-866-524-5633
Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and Addiction - CANADA WIDE
www.ccsa.ca/addictions-treatment-helplines-canada
1-833-235-4048