National Addictions Awareness Week (Nov 19th – 25th)
Written by Lindsay Abrames
National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW) calls for inspiration, innovation, and inclusion to collectively build a healthy and non-stigmatizing society that addresses the complex issue of substance use. We invite you to take the opportunity this week to learn more about substance use and addiction, the process of change, and recovery.
We can easily acknowledge that alcohol and other substances are addictive. However, it is not as widely acknowledged that substance use for many starts with access to something that is viewed to offer some form of emotional/physical/psychological benefit, or as an adaptive effort to resolve pain and discomfort. There remains a stigmatizing mindset that problematic substance use and addiction are reserved for a certain group of people which promotes an “us-them” dichotomy. No one starts using substances with a plan for their lives to become hijacked by that substance. Unfortunately, our social climate glamourizes and offers easy access to a variety of substances (i.e., alcohol, cannabis, opiates) and then makes stigmatizing assumptions about the failings of individuals if that substance becomes problematic in their lives. Substance use often starts slowly with experimentation, and gradually over time an attachment is formed with the substance when it offers relief, escape, pleasure, reward (or whatever someone might be seeking); then, with repeated use it can progressively become a means to feel “normal”. This is an overly simplified version of the substance use continuum. In reality, understanding the bio-psycho-social intricacies of one’s personal journey offers the best glimpse into how a relationship with a substance becomes problematic and develops into addiction (or a substance use disorder). Safe, supportive, and compassionate social/professional networks and communities that are genuinely committed to a person’s overall well-being are needed for change and recovery to occur.
[Note: Individuals and communities of people who use substances have their own experiences, perspectives, and preferred language. We appreciate that the term “addiction” can be stigmatizing for some communities and an important part of the conversation for others. Seeking to raise awareness about substance use health, addictions, and people who use drugs is an important goal to improve health and well-being. ~ Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction]
If you or a loved one would like support navigating substance use health and addiction concerns, please reach out.
~Lindsay
