Addictions and Alternatives
Addictions come in various forms, affect people differently and can be addressed differently. A person can be addicted to substances such as alcohol and narcotic drugs, or addicted to certain behaviours such as gambling, pornography, sex, food, jealousy or gossiping. Addiction may be a way to escape reality, to numb deep pain or at times be a statement. Addiction can also be genetic.
Our consequential reality is that substances can control any life. We will all be faced with personal inadequacy at some point in our lives, and our minds and hearts are pleading to be guarded better. |
Substance related disordersSubstance related disorders are mental health disorders that involve maladaptive patterns of substance use over 12 months.
The continuum runs from: Use - Misuse - Abuse - Dependence Symptoms often include:
When someone is substance dependent, they experience tolerance or withdrawal symptoms as well as psychological symptoms such as anxiety or unease when they cease to use substances. All drugs taken in excess directly activate the brain reward system, which is involved in the reinforcement of behaviours and the production of memories. Types of substances: Depressants e.g. alcohol, heroin (Heroin is made from morphine, a natural substance that comes from the opium poppy plant. It can look like white powder and dark brown sticky gum. Heroin can be dissolved in water and injected into a vein – which is called ‘mainlining’ or under the skin ‘skin-popping’ or smoked ‘chasing the dragon’ or snorted. Heroin has been known to cause lack of emotion) Hallucinogens Hallucinogens alter sensory perception and can produce delusions, paranoia and hallucinations. They have emetic properties (can induce vomiting). Examples are marijuana and LSD. We don’t fully understand how hallucinogens affect the brain, one theory is that they act like the neurotransmitter serotonin. Opioids Opioids include strong prescription painkillers such as Codeine, Morphine, Oxycontin, Percocet and Fentanyl as well as street drugs such as Heroin. Opioids block physical pain and, as a side effect, flood the brain’s reward circuit with dopamine, which has an antidepressant effect. Prescribed opioid overdose is a leading cause for addiction. Among oral narcotic prescription medications, codeine is the least potent, and hydromorphone is the most potent. Doctors can prescribe no more than 90 milligrams of opioids for pain. Four granules, or about two milligrams, of pure Fentanyl is enough to cause death. *Becoming more common is Fentanyl laced with benzodiazepines "benzos" - which are depressants lowering brain activity. Naloxone will not work on benzodiazepines. We are also seeing an increase in highly potent synthetic opioids called nitazenes. Symptoms of an overdose include: Severe sleepiness Slow heartbeat Difficulty breathing Slow, shallow breathing Cold, clammy skin Trouble walking or talking Non-responsiveness to shouting and rubbing knuckles between the nose and upper lip Stimulants Stimulants are the most commonly consumed psychoactive drugs in Canada. They include amphetamines, nicotine and caffeine, cocaine, and crack cocaine, which is the smokable form of cocaine that looks like crystals or rocks. They work to increase the functioning of the nervous system so that you’re more alert and energetic. One eventually experiences a crash, leading you to want more of the drug. Individuals that live with addiction also physically change in response to drug use. They look older and may have sores resulting from hyperactivity and hallucinations. Amphetamines were originally derived from ephedra plants, but they are now all synthetic. Effects include:
Treatment The most common opioid-replacement therapy is methadone. Just like Suboxone,(which is a pill form) methadone is specifically designed to block the euphoric high. It also cuts down on cravings and prevents users from going into withdrawal—and back to the opioid they initially grew addicted to. Other medications that cut cravings include Vivitrol (injection) or its pill form Naltrexone, Gabapentin can also treat alcohol dependence. There are apps such as QuitThat! And Blue Ice to help users break out of addiction. Connectedness to others also plays a significant role in curbing addiction. When we feel that our presence in other people's lives is valued, we want to show up whole. |
We have to talk about cannabis...
Recreational use of cannabis became legal in Canada in October of 2018 for individuals 18 and older. While pain and mental health conditions such as sciatic nerve pain, back pain, anxiety and depression, are the main reasons for medical cannabis use more people are now consuming cannabis recreationally and marketing is geared towards this latter group.
Cannabis is a multi-billion dollar industry. 1 in 5 Canadians has used cannabis recently. In the United States, many tobacco companies are buying cannabis companies. What is less advertised is how cannabis increases the risk of schizophrenia, paranoia and lung cancer (when smoked). Long term use of cannabis destroys dopamine, the neurotransmitter that plays a role in how we feel pleasure. Longitudinal studies suggest people who use cannabis have an elevated risk of psychotic disorders and functional impairment. Risks are elevated if consumption starts at an early age. Cannabis comes in different forms: Flower Cannabis in herb (bud) form. Hash and Oil Hash is the powdered form of the trichomes (sticky hairs) found on cannabis plants. Highly potent in THC and/or CBD. Processed in oil form, it can be used in cooking (edibles). Wax and Shatter Highly potent cannabis concentrates. Wax is dense and opaque, while shatter is translucent and brittle. Both can be melted into smoke and inhaled, a technique called dabbing. Dabs are highly concentrated. Hemp Part of the cannabis plant used to make a variety of commercial products including rope, paper and building materials. Also considered a renewable fuel source. Cannabinoids: THC Tetrahydrocannabinol is the main cannabinoid molecule (there are more than 100) contained in marijuana. THC is the psychoactive element that makes you feel high. THC Total is 18.5% with the lowest grade being 0.31%. Anything greater than 10% is considered high potency. CBD Unlike THC, the cannabidiol molecule (CBD) has no psychoactive effect. Processed into oils, tinctures and caplets, CBD is used for medical purposes, such as the treatment of nausea, arthritis and anxiety. Plants & strains: Sativa A plant type known for its uplifting and energetic properties. Sativa strains are used to treat depression and enhance mood. Can also cause anxiety and paranoia in some users. Strain varieties include Lemon Haze and Maui Wowie. Indica A plant type known for its relaxing properties. Indica strains deliver a less cerebral body high. Used to treat chronic pain, insomnia and anxiety. Strain varieties include the popular Purple Kush and Master Kush. Ruderalis A smaller, less common type found in harsher climates, with low THC content. Hybrid A cross between two strains of cannabis, blending preferred traits from each one. Many strains found in dispensaries are hybrids (Pineapple Express and a variety of Kush combinations). Delta-8 is another form of cannabis that is gaining popularity due to its less intoxicating effects. There are also synthetic cannabis products, which are stronger and more dangerous than natural forms. K2 and Spice are examples of synthetic cannabis products. Using these can lead to severe health problems, such as seizures, irregular heartbeat and hallucinations. Long term regular cannabis use (using for over a year at least weekly) can also cause Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, which is characterized by intractable vomiting. It can take up to 4 hours to feel the full effects from eating or drinking cannabis products. Consuming more within this time period can result in adverse effects that may require medical attention. Where total abstinence from cannabis has failed, some harm reduction strategies can include taking abstinence breaks, initiating use later or choosing less harmful consumption methods. For example, bongs are more cost-effective but also produce greater intoxication as deep inhalation is involved. Compared to bong use, research has shown that vaporizers are associated with fewer cognitive impairments and fewer physical symptoms in males. In females, edibles are associated with fewer physical symptoms. How and when do people start realizing they are developing a substance use problem? It is often much too late. The Black and Great Frederick Douglass once said, "It's easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." Recovery is possible, but not without great effort. |
Alternatives
Runner's highYou may have heard about the "runner's high." This is exactly what it sounds like - running - or physical exercise - releases endorphins. Endorphins cannot enter the brain, and so some research points to endocannabinoids as the molecules that are responsible for runner's high.
Higher levels of endocannabinoids also increase the pleasure you derive from being around other people - feeling connection. Regular aerobic exercise, resistance training, and even circuit training may increase pain tolerance in otherwise healthy people. Below are additional benefits of running:
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Dancer's highMusic and dance go hand in hand. Ever noticed how your favourite songs make you want to move something? Music has a way of lifting your mood and inducing positive feelings; it increases memory and retention - recall making a song of math formulas or spellings.
Music reduces anxiety and depression; music can also help you express yourself and find reprieve in people and places that are foreign. There are therapies such as cymatic therapy that uses sound and magnetic energy to foster healing. It is incredible what dancing can do to lift your spirit, increase blood flow for energy thus improving your mental health. Don't be afraid to dance every day - while brushing your teeth, doing dishes, and just because you feel like it. |
Helper's highGenerosity has an underestimated power. While it is distasteful to celebrate our own generosity, we often want the people close to us to have a generous heart.
When it comes to mental health, giving distracts us from our own challenges and shifts our focus to wider hope and a sense of community. Giving reduces exposure to stress hormones and activates the following neurotransmitters in our brains: Dopamine (feelings of happiness), Oxytocin (feelings of closeness to others) Serotonin (feelings of reward) Endorphins (energy) - DOSE. We want our children to share their food and toys with others; and we want our parents to bring food for our team mates when playing games. When we give, we empower ourselves against selfishness and recognize the compassion we hold. When good qualities come out of us, it makes us feel happy with ourselves, and within ourselves. That's giver's high, or more commonly known as "helper's high." Taking delight in the successes of others is another way of giving. For some giving challenges, visit https://www.365give.ca/ |
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