SOLUTIONS ALREADY AWARDED A+ | LATEST 2026/27 PDF
UPDATE
Frequently Asked Questions - ANSWER-Why do people keep using substances?
One thing that makes change so difficult is that the immediate effects of
problematic substance use tend to be positive. The person may feel good, have
more confidence and forget about his or her problems temporarily. The
problems caused by substance use might not be obvious for some time.
When the person uses substances to escape or change how he or she feels,
using can become a habit, which can be hard to break. Continued substance use,
especially heavy use, can cause changes in the body and brain. A person who
develops physical dependence and then stops using may experience distressing
symptoms of withdrawal. These changes may explain why people continue to
crave the substance long after they have stopped using, and why they may slip
back into patterns of problematic use.
How do I know if I need treatment?
If you feel that substance use is causing problems in your life and that you are
unable to control your use, see a trained counsellor for an assessment. This
assessment gathers information about your use and related problems and other
factors in your life, such as your personal strengths and supports. This
information will help you and your counsellor decide whether you might benefit
from treatment or other support.
One simple way of describing addiction is the presence of the 4 Cs: - ANSWER--
Craving
,- loss of Control of amount or frequency of use
- Compulsion to use
- use despite Consequences.
Signs & Symptoms of Addiction - ANSWER-- injuries while under the influence
- feelings of anxiety, irritability or depression
- trouble thinking clearly
- blackouts
- problems with relationships
- spending money on substances rather than on food, rent or other essentials
- legal problems related to substance use
- loss of hope, feelings of emptiness
,Causes & Risk Factors of Addiction - ANSWER-- Genetic factors: Some people
may inherit a vulnerability to the addictive properties of drugs.
- How drugs interact with the brain: People use alcohol and other drugs because
they stimulate the brain in ways that "feel good." This immediate rewarding
experience makes people want to repeat it. All substances with addictive
potential stimulate the release of dopamine, a chemical in the brain that is
associated with reward and pleasure.
- Environment: Peoples' home and community and the attitude of their peers,
family and culture toward substance use can influence whether or not they
develop substance use problems. People who experience prejudice or
marginalization may use substances to cope with feelings of trauma or social
isolation.
- Mental health issues: More than 50 per cent of people with substance use
disorders have also had mental health problems at some point during their
lifetimes. When people have mental health problems, even limited substance
use can worsen the problem.
- Coping with thoughts and feelings: People may turn to substances as a way of
coping with difficult emotions or situations. They start to rely on substances to
regulate their emotions
Risk factors for substance use problems in youth include: - ANSWER-- alcohol or
other drug problems among family members
- poor school performance
, - poverty, family conflicts, chaos or stress
- having friends who drink or use drugs
- not fitting in socially or being excluded because of factors such as race,
ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation
- emotional, physical or sexual abuse
- experiencing discrimination or oppression.
The protective factors for substance use problems include: - ANSWER-- having a
positive adult role model
- good parental or other caregiver supervision
- having a strong attachment to family, school and community
- having goals and dreams
- being involved in meaningful, well-supervised activities (e.g., sports, volunteer
work).