Not everyone who uses substances will develop a substance use disorder. Some people only use substances once in a while. Some have control over how they use substances.

You may know someone who has a substance use disorder. This could be your neighbour, cousin, parent, or someone else in your community.

Substance use disorders are also called addictions. Nowadays, people try to avoid using the word addictions because it can make people feel blamed and ashamed. This can stop a person, who is experiencing a substance use disorder, from getting the support and help they need.

A substance use disorder happens when using a substance becomes a habit. For some people, the habit is meeting a need. For example, a person who is anxious may feel calmer after drinking alcohol or using marijuana. If this person begins to use these substances more and more frequently to feel better, they may have a substance use disorder. Substance use disorder can happen when the rewards become more important than the harms of using the substance. A substance use disorder is when a person’s substance use leads to health issues or problems at home, school, or work.

One simple way of describing addiction is the presence of the 4 Cs:

Substance use disorders can occur no matter what substance an individual is using.

If you are struggling with substance use, you are not alone. There are ways to get help.