Drug addiction

First, a distinction has to be made between experimenting with drugs, as many teens do, and drug addiction. Drug addiction is a generic term to identify any dependency on a psychotropic substance, such as alcohol, psychotropic drugs or illicit drugs (Health Canada, Best Practices – Methadone Maintenance Treatment, Ottawa, Canada’s Drug Strategy Division, 2002, p. 4). Psychotropic substances refer to any substance that acts on the central nervous system and influences how a person thinks, feels or acts.

Drug addiction refers to a dependency that sets in after a period of regular consumption. Usually progressive, it is accompanied by difficulties in functioning in one or several areas of life and subjective suffering. Drugs occupy more and more space in a person’s life, accompanied by the feeling of loss of control. Often, in spite of people’s desire to stop, they can’t: the physical and psychological dependence creates an irresistible need to the detriment of health, functioning in society and relationships.

Alcohol, psychotropic drugs (Ativan, Halcion, Valium, Xanax, etc.), illegal drugs (marijuana, hashish, cocaine, heroine, etc.) are part of this mysterious world of drugs.

Drug abuse carries with it risks to every aspect of people’s lives; while the consequences differ depending on the person, the environment and the substance consumed, they have an impact on physical and mental health, relationships and family, school, work and even society in general.

According to the 2002 Mental Health and Well-being Survey (ESCC 1.2), around one adult in 10 with anxiety disorders (9.6%) or mood disorders (11.3%) met the criteria of substance dependence in the last 12 months. This proportion was higher than among the general population presenting symptoms of substance dependency (3.0%)

Among alcoholics, 15% had also suffered from depression in the past year, compared to 4.8% among the general population. Depression was even more prevalent (26%) among people who are dependent on illegal drugs. Women who are dependent on alcohol were twice as likely as men to also suffer from depression. (Lukassen J, Beaudet MP. Alcohol dependence and depression among heavy drinkers in Canada. Social Science & Medicine. 2005; 61:1658-1667).

A recent study supports these findings, indicating that 70% of people who have taken part in a detox program had major depressive disorders. Thus, more and more specialists believe that drug addiction and alcoholism are factors of depression. (Joffe, T. Russel, Levitt Anthony J. Conquérir la dépression, Empowering Press, p. 36)

Useful links

Tel-jeunes
Intervention service by phone or on-line for teens.
The Tel-jeunes site offers information, answers questions and listens and offers advice to young people. You can find resources for yourself or a friend 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Phone number in Montreal: 514.288.2266
Phone number outside Montreal: 1.800.263.2266
www.teljeunes.com

Drugs: Help and referral
Strictly confidential; 24 hours a day, seven days a week; free bilingual service;
Phone number in Montreal: 514.527.2626
Phone number outside Montreal: 1.800.265.2626
By e-mail:dar@info-reference.qc.ca
www.drogue-aidereference.qc.ca

Drug addiction emergency at Centre Dollard-Cormier
The Centre Dollard-Cormier is a public rehabilitation centre for region 06 (the Island of Montreal) that offers specialized services for drug addiction and excessive gambling.
Youth programs are available for people under 21. 
Phone number in Montreal: 514.385.1232 (Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
By e-mail: cqdt.cdc@ssss.gouv.qc.ca
Emergencies: Drug addiction emergency: 514.288.1515 (24 hours a day, seven days a week)
Youth program: 514.982.1232
www.centredollardcormier.qc.ca