Substance Abuse
Substance abuse refers to the abuse of illegal substances or abusive use of legal substances. It is commonly used to describe a pattern of substance (drug) use leading to significant problems or distress such as failure to attend work/school, substance use in dangerous situations (driving a car), substance-related legal problems, or continued substance use that interferes with friendships and or family relationships.
Questions to consider?
- Is the person losing time from school and work due to drug use?
- Is the drug use creating problems both at home and school?
- Does the person show any remorse after the drug use?
- Are there any financial difficulties as a result of the drug use?
- Does the person use drugs to escape other problems?
- Has the person’s motivation and ambition changed?
If any of these warning signs are noticed, don’t feel like you need to diagnose the situation yourself. Go to someone who can help, or attempt to get the person to someone who can offer help.
Symptoms
- Negative changes in work or school attendance, quality and quantity of work output, grades, self-discipline
- Unusual outbreaks of temper
- Withdrawal from responsibility
- Negative changes in overall attitude
- Deterioration of physical appearance and grooming
- Association with known substance abusers
- Unusual borrowing of money from friends, co-workers or parents
- Stealing small items from employer, home or school
Where to get Help
On-Campus
- Counselling & Personal Development → 613-562-5200
Off-Campus
- Al-Anon 613-860-3431
- Drug, Alcohol & Mental Health Information Line → 1-800-463-6273
- Addictions and Problems Gambling 613-789-8941
- Amethyst Women’s Addiction Centre → 613-563-0363
