Addiction
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National Addictions Awareness Week
National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW) serves as a pivotal opportunity for Canadians to come together and address the complex and far-reaching impacts of alcohol and other drug-related harms. With its roots in raising awareness and fostering dialogue, this annual event encourages individuals, communities, and organizations across the country to learn more about the critical importance of prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery. By engaging in meaningful conversations and sharing diverse perspectives, NAAW not only shines a spotlight on the challenges associated with substance use but also highlights innovative solutions that can drive positive change at both individual and societal levels. This year’s theme, Forging Connections, underscores the vital role that…
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Overdose Awareness in Canada
In recent years, Canada has witnessed a surge in overdose-related deaths, drawing attention to the devastating impact of drug misuse and addiction on individuals, families, and communities. The rapid proliferation of powerful synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, has compounded the crisis, claiming thousands of lives annually. This article aims to shed light on the factors that contribute to addiction, the signs of an overdose, and the increasing role of fentanyl in overdose deaths. Addiction: A Multifaceted Issue Addiction is a complex, multifaceted issue that cannot be attributed to any one factor. While the causes of addiction are varied, some contributing factors are more commonly seen than others: Biological Factors: Genetics…
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Nicotine Addiction
To understand the addictive nature of cigarette smoking, we must first delve into the main ingredient responsible for it: Nicotine. Nicotine is a naturally occurring, highly addictive compound found in tobacco plants. When smoked or ingested, it triggers the release of various neurotransmitters, including dopamine, which promotes a sense of pleasure and reward in the brain. The intensity and rapidity of this effect, coupled with its immediate wear-off, create a powerful cycle of reward and withdrawal, inducing a craving for repeated exposure. The physical dependency on nicotine develops as the body becomes accustomed to functioning with regular nicotine influx. Over time, the brain changes, adjusting to the new norm, and…
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Mental Illness & Substance Use Top Disability Causes in Canada
Mental illness and substance use disorders are significant public health issues in Canada, and they are leading causes of disability. According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, as many as 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental illness in any given year. Similarly, substance use disorders also affect millions of Canadians each year. Mental illness is a term that encompasses a wide range of conditions that affect a person’s thinking, mood, behavior, and overall functioning. These conditions include anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and eating disorders, among others. Mental illness can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, and it is a leading…
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The Negative Effects of Alcohol
While alcohol is widely popular and considered socially acceptable, it can still have dangerous effects on people’s health. From a physical standpoint, alcohol can lead to dehydration, weight gain, and damage to the internal organs; in addition to having a psychological impact. When it comes to physical health consequences, the most common is dehydration. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it causes an increase in urination. This can cause dehydration, which can lead to fatigue, headaches, and other physical symptoms. As the body becomes increasingly dehydrated, it becomes more difficult for the cells to function and for the brain to process information. As a result, people can become weak, dizzy,…
