Substance Use Disorder
Mental health needs are on the rise, and we have responded by bringing free mental health support from Western Ottawa Community Health Centre.
Substance use has also significantly increased. We have partnered with Recovery Care to provide stigma free, confidential and OHIP covered support for substance use.
Substance Use Disorder
What is substance use disorder?
Substance use disorder, also known as SUD, is a treatable medical condition that affects a person's brain and behavior, leading to their inability to control their use of substances like legal or illegal drugs, alcohol, or medications.
In Canada, it is estimated that approximately 21% of the population (about 6 million people) will meet the criteria for addiction in their lifetime.
How to Get Help
Concerned about addiction? There are specialty physicians who can help.
Just like diabetes, there is a course of treatment for symptom management. In Ontario, covered under OHIP, there are medically supervised tapering programs facilitated by experienced physicians.
Don't wait, reach out for help now. For more information, contact info@recovery.care
Signs and Symptoms of SUD
- Feeling that you have to use the substance regularly — daily or even several times a day.
- Having intense urges for the substance that block out any other thoughts.
- Needing more of the substance to get the same effect over time.
- Consuming larger amounts of the substance over a longer period of time than you intended.
- Making certain that you maintain a supply of the substance .
- Spending money on the substance, even if you can't afford it.
- Not meeting obligations and work responsibilities, or cutting back on social or recreational activities because of substance use.
- Continuing to use the substance, even if it's causing problems in your life or causing physical or psychological harm.
- Doing things to obtain the substance that you normally wouldn't do, such as stealing.
- Driving or participating in risky activities while under the influence of the substance.
- Spending a significant amount of time getting the substance, using the substance or recovering from the effects it.
- Failing in your attempts to stop using the substance
Signs You May Be Experiencing Withdrawal
- Nausea and vomiting
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Hot and cold flushes
- Perspiration
- Watery discharge from eyes and nose
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
- Muscle tension and aches
- Physical dependency pains
- Agitation and irritability
- Depression
- Decreased appetite
More Learnings - Types of SUD
Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), also known as alcoholism, is a medical condition known by the continued consumption of alcohol despite experiencing chronic negative consequences. AUD can impact someone’s ability to work, maintain relationships, physical health, and overall mental health. AUD comes in many forms and can range from mild to severe depending on the individual's use. There are several medication-based approaches to support individuals for treatment of AUD.
Opioid Use Disorder
Opioids can be highly addictive and dangerous, especially as the presence of opioids within the community’s illicit drug supply continues to increase. Some examples of opioids include but are not limited to Oxycodone (OxyContin), Heroin, Fentanyl, and Morphine. When consumed while unsupervised by a physician or medical professional, opioids can have a variety of dangerous consequences and can ultimately be fatal. Many individuals initiate opioid use for pain management but as tolerance increases, it can be very difficult to maintain this course of treatment in a non-harmful way. OUD is a medical condition that affects every aspect of an individual's life. Through a variety of medication-based programs, physicians can curate a plan that meets an individuals specific needs to reduce or eliminate an individuals opioid use.
Benzodiazepine Use Disorder
Benzodiazepines (benzos) are a class of medication commonly prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. These medications, whether prescribed or otherwise, can occasionally result in substance use disorder (SUD/addiction). For those seeking to decrease and/or eliminate their benzodiazepine use, there are medically supervised tapering programs facilitated by experienced physicians. Benzodiazepine tapering is a deliberately calculated, planned, and supported to decrease and/or eliminate an individual's benzodiazepine intake.
Cannabis Use Disorder
Cannabis Use Disorder (also known as marijuana, weed, or pot) is defined by an individual using this substance in large amounts and/or for a longer amount of time than planned or desired. Categorized by having a strong desire or urge to use cannabis, CUD is a mental health disorder that can negatively impact your relationships, occupation, physical health, and everyday life. Physician specialists generally utilize a medication-based approach to support individuals in reducing or discontinuing their cannabis use.
Stimulant Use Disorder
Stimulants are a class of drugs that speed up messages between the brain and body. They can make you feel more awake, focused, and energized. There is a wide spectrum of highly addictive stimulants which include coffee, nicotine, cocaine, crystal meth, amongst others. Physician specialists can utilize a medication-based approach to support individuals in reducing or discontinuing their stimulant use.