Addiction & Substance Use

Addiction & Substance Use

Addiction is a complex disease, and quitting usually takes more than good intentions or a strong will.

Many people don’t understand why or how other people become addicted to a substance.

They may mistakenly think those who misuse substances lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop their substance use simply by choosing to. In reality, addiction is a complex disease, and quitting usually takes more than good intentions or a strong will.

Substances change the brain in ways that make quitting difficult, even for those who want to. We are learning more about how substances affect the brain and treatments are available to help people living with a substance use disorder to recover and lead productive lives. Knowledge is power. We can all learn the facts about substance-use disorders, understand the complexities of the disease and the impact on a person’s well-being.

Stages of Drug Use

Non-Use

Not using at all.

Experimental Use

When a person tries substances for the first few times. They maybe curious, want to fit in or believe that nothing bad will happen.

Social or Recreational Use

The person seeks out and uses a substance to enhance a social occasion. Use is irregular, infrequent and usually occurs with others.

Regular Use

Means substance use has become part of the person’s life. They may not give it much thought before they use and they may find it difficult or not want to engage in certain activities without using substances. The person may begin to develop tolerance or dependence on the substance during this stage. Regular use as a child or youth could lead to substance use problems later in life. It is important to point out that a sip of wine with a parent or caregiver on New Year’s Eve or some other special occasion is not considered “regular use”.

Problematic Use

Means the use of substances is having negative consequences on the person’s daily life and may begin to affect their health. The person may think about getting or using drugs a lot of the time and using as much as possible. They may develop tolerance and dependence on the substances and experience withdrawal if they stop using (this depends on the substance(s) being used.

Addiction FAQ

Got a question? We’re here to help.

  • When is substance use a problem?

    When the user:

    • use substances to cope with feelings and situations
    • hide your use from family and friends
    • have increased use over time
    • find it hard to give up or cut down
    • have friends, family or co-workers who say they’re concerned about your use
    • are having money or legal problems because of your use
    • make more emotional and impulsive decisions
    • keep having trouble or fights with friends, family or coworker
    • put yourself or others in risky situations

  • What are drugs or substances?

    Drugs or substances are anything that alters your mood, mind or state. They include things like alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, prescription medicine, over-the-counter medicine and illegal drugs.

  • How can substances make you feel?

    Substance use affects your health and the way you feel, think, and act. The harmful effects of substance use happen slowly. They damage your body and change your brain’s ability to deal with negative feelings making it likely that you’ll have more negative feelings. Using substances can increase your chance of having poor mental health, anxiety, depression, memory loss, psychosis, thoughts of suicide, or a problem with alcohol and/or other drugs. If you use substances as a way to cope or as a way to hide your anxiety or depression, you can make the problem worse and make it much harder to get better.

Drug addiction is a chronic disease characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences.

Brain changes that occur over time with substance misuse challenge an addicted person’s self-control and interfere with their ability to resist intense urges to take drugs. This is why drug addiction is also a relapsing disease. Relapse is the return to drug use after an attempt to stop. Relapse indicates the need for more or different treatment.


Most drugs and addictive substances affect the brain’s reward circuit by flooding it with the chemical messenger dopamine. Surges of dopamine in the reward circuit cause the reinforcement of pleasurable but unhealthy activities, leading people to repeat the behavior again and again.


Over time, the brain adjusts to the excess dopamine, which reduces the high the person feels compared to the high they felt when first taking the drug—an effect known as tolerance. They might take more of the drug, trying to achieve the same dopamine high.



No single factor can predict whether a person will become addicted to or will develop an addiction to a substance. A combination of genetic, environmental, and developmental factors influences risk for addiction. The more risk factors a person has, the greater the chance that taking drugs can lead to addiction.

Addictions Resources

Depression and Anxiety Self-Management

September 1, 2022
A resource by Alberta Health Services providing helpful suggestions on managing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Things to know about Counselling

January 11, 2022
Counselling agencies typically don’t require a referral. Most therapists don’t either, unless it’s need it for insurance purposes. To see a psychiatrist, you will need a referral from your family doctor or go to emergency if in crisis. Counsellors and therapists that work for the health authority can be accessed for free; private counsellors and therapists may have a fee. If you have any employee benefits, check to see if these services may be covered. What should I remember in my doctor or counselling appointment?: • Be proud of yourself. • Be honest and open. • Ask for clarity. • Write your questions in advance of your appointment. • Keep notes. Here are a few questions you may want to ask your doctor/counsellor: • When should I come back? • How often will I be seen? • How long will treatment last? • What are the most important things I can do to feel better? • What are my treatment options? • If medication is prescribed, what is the medicine designed to do? • How fast will it work? • What are some possible side effects? 

Toolkit for people who have been impacted by a suicide attempt

December 7, 2021
A toolkit designed for people with lived experience related to a suicide attempt. The Mental Health Commission of Canada have developed toolkits to support people who have been impacted by suicide.

Hope and Healing: A Guide for People Who Have Lost Someone to Suicide

December 7, 2021
Help working through your grief and dealing with practical matters when someone you love dies by suicide.

Toolkit for people who have been impacted by a suicide loss

December 7, 2021
A toolkit designed for people with lived experience related to a suicide loss.

Suicide Prevention in the Workplace

December 7, 2021
We need to have meaningful conversations in the workplace about suicide, to provide support and resources, and to bring hope to someone who may be struggling with the thought of suicide. Use this guide to navigate those difficult conversations.

Helpful Apps

Breathr: Mindful Moments

FREE

An app to help introduce the concept of mindfulness and create an easy access point for those who are new to this practice. Try out a variety of mindfulness practices, while also teaching them interesting facts about the brain science behind these practices.

Headspace: Meditation & Sleep 

$$

Meditate and sleep soundly. Headspace is your guide to practicing mindfulness in your everyday life. Learn how to relax, manage stress, and focus your energy to become more centered and well rested. Create a calm and positive environment with Headspace.

Calm: Sleep & Meditation 

$$

Calm is for anyone, whether you’re brand new to meditation or a seasoned expert. It’s also for anyone who needs a mental break, a soothing sound, or a peaceful night’s rest. Guided meditations are available in lengths of 3 to 25 minutes.

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