Addiction
Counselling
Addiction refers to a complex and chronic condition in which a person continues to engage in a behavior, such as drug or alcohol use, gambling, or gaming, despite negative consequences. Addiction is characterized by compulsive behavior, cravings, and a loss of control over the behavior, despite negative consequences on physical, mental, and emotional health, relationships, and daily functioning.
Addiction is often considered a brain disorder, as it can cause changes in the brain’s reward system, motivation, and decision-making processes. It can also lead to the development of tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and relapse.
Addiction always impacts people’s lives, and it affects the lives and wellbeing of the people closest to them at work and at home. It can affect a person’s physical health, mental health, and diminish the quality of their relationships, and it usually leads to financial and legal problems. However, with the right treatment and support, individuals with addiction can recover and lead fulfilling lives.
What are Canadians Addicted to?
What are Canadians Addicted to?
Here are statistics related to substance abuse and addiction in Canada from the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction:
- Opioid Addiction: In 2018, there were 4,460 apparent opioid-related deaths in Canada.
- Cannabis Addiction: In 2018, approximately 3.7 million Canadians reported using cannabis in the past year.
- Alcohol Addiction: In 2019, the rate of alcohol-related hospitalizations was 2,247 per 100,000 population.
- Cocaine Addiction: In 2017, an estimated 321,000 Canadians reported using cocaine in the past year.
- Tobacco Addiction: In 2017, 21.2% of Canadians aged 15 years and older reported using tobacco in the past month.
- Gambling Addiction: According to a 2020 survey, approximately 5.3 million Canadians reported gambling in the past year.
- Gaming Addiction: In a 2018 survey, 11.9% of Canadians aged 6 to 79 years reported that they spent more than 7 hours a week playing video games.
How Does Addiction Affect People’s Lives
How Does Addiction Affect People’s Lives
Addiction can have a significant impact on an individual’s life in various ways. It can affect their physical health, mental health, relationships at home and at work, and the overall quality of the lives is diminished over time. Some common effects of addiction include:
- Physical health problems: Substance addiction can cause various health problems, such as heart disease, liver disease, lung disease, and other chronic conditions. Behavioral addictions, such as gambling or gaming addiction, can also cause physical problems due to the individual neglecting their health and self-care.
- Mental health problems: Addiction can lead to or worsen mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. It can also lead to cognitive problems such as memory loss, impaired judgment, and difficulty with decision-making.
- Social problems: Addiction can lead to social isolation, damaged relationships with loved ones, and difficulties with work or school. It can also lead to financial problems, as individuals may spend excessive amounts of money on substances or activities related to their addiction.
- Emotional problems: Addiction can cause feelings of shame, guilt, and low self-esteem. It can also lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair.
- Legal problems: Some types of addiction, such as drug or alcohol addiction, can lead to legal problems, including arrests, fines, and even incarceration.
How Do Online Therapy Centre Therapists Treat Addiction?
How Do Online Therapy Centre Therapists Treat Addiction?
At the Online Therapy Centre, we understand how difficult addiction can be to overcome, and we offer evidence-based therapy approaches to help individuals manage and overcome their addiction. Our therapists work with clients to identify triggers and underlying causes of addictive behaviors, develop coping skills and strategies, and promote healthy habits and lifestyle changes. We recognize that addiction affects not only the individual but also their loved ones, and we offer family therapy and support to promote healing and recovery for everyone involved. Our goal is to empower individuals to break free from addiction and reclaim control over their lives.
Do I Need Addiction Counselling?
Do I Need Addiction Counselling?
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