Addiction Awareness Week: Learning, Support, and Resources

In Canada, approximately 21% of the population will meet the criteria for addiction at least once in their lifetime. In Ontario, approximately 10% of the population are estimated to have a problematic relationship with substances. 

This week is National Addiction Awareness Week (Nov 16-22). Keep reading to learn the answers to: 

  • What is addiction? 
  • How does addiction occur? 
  • Where can I find support? 
  • And more 

What is addiction? 

It is common in young adulthood for evenings out to potentially include substances such as alcohol or marijuana. Social activities could also include gambling. In 2022, Health Canada reported that 64% of post-secondary students consumed alcohol in the past month, and 29% of students used cannabis. In 2024, a researcher from the University of Calgary reported rates of gambling across Canadian universities to be approximately 17.7%.

While many people are able to engage with these social activities without it interrupting their wellbeing, some people find themselves in a pattern of problematic use and sometimes dependence. This is often called addiction. Understanding addiction helps us support ourselves and our community before things reach a point of harm.  

Typically, addiction is identified by the 4 C’s:  

  • Craving: a powerful desire to use the substance or engage in the behaviour, that feels like it is vital for survival 
  • Loss of control: the person loses control over the amount and/or frequency of use of the substance, or over when and how they engage in an activity. 
  • Compulsion: an irresistible urge to use the substance or engage in a certain behaviour, even if against one’s conscious wishes 
  • Use despite consequences: the act of using the substance or engaging in the behaviour despite the negative results or effects physically, mentally, financially, legally, or otherwise. 

How does addiction occur? 

Addiction is complex and is influenced by a combination of factors, such as: 

  • stress 
  • previous experiences of trauma or mental health issues 
  • genetic factors 
  • the way a person’s brain functions 
  • environment (such as familial addiction, poverty, etc.) 

Some people may recognize that they have a problem with a substance or behaviour, while others may not. Remember, you don’t need to know why you’re struggling in order to ask for help. 

Where can I find support? 

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and needs help, reach out to one of the support services below. 

On-Campus 

Off-Campus/Phone Lines 

  • Alternatives for Youth:  provides community-based substance use and addiction treatment services that engage and mobilize youth and their families: Phone: 289-768-0014; E-mail:  intake@ay.on.ca 
  • Womankind Addiction Service: provides a range of gender specific substance use programs, supporting women seeking change with their substance use. (905) 545-9100 
  • Xperience Annex: supports youth ages 18-29 in the areas of employment, housing, education, training, mental health, addictions, leadership and community engagement. Drop or make an appointment with the Youth Navigator at: Central Library – 4th Floor (55 York Blvd., Hamilton) 
  • ConnexOntario: Free 24/7 access to mental health and addictions services information: 1-866-531-2600. Text CONNEX to 247247. 
  • Hope for Wellness: Immediate help, including counselling and crisis intervention, to all Indigenous people across Canada 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in English, French, Cree, Ojibway, or Inuktitut: 1-855-242-3310 

 

For more resources, check out these webpages:  

https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use/get-help-with-substance-use.html  

https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/addiction 

https://morefeetontheground.ca/mental-health/substance-use-and-addiction/  

 Addictions,  Alcohol, Cannabis, & Substances