What is addiction?

People use drugs, alcohol and other activities for many reasons; to feel pleasure, to forget their problems, to help them relax. No one chooses to become an addict but for every addict, at one point or another, they can no longer make a choice about whether or not to use. The psychological and physical dependency on the substance or behaviour overrides all logic. No matter how much they love their families and friends they will engage in behaviours that can destroy those relationships – they lie, steal, cheat and abuse themselves and others.

People who are addicted have lost all hope, all faith, all belief that they can survive without alcohol or other drugs. These substances are not just stress relievers or a crutch, but life itself. It’s no wonder that if you try to take that away from them they’ll fight like they are fighting for their life – because they are.

Addicts want the love and approval of their family and friends even if they act like they don’t need anyone. They push people away, not because they don’t care about them, but because they feel shame and guilt and don’t want anyone else to witness those difficult feelings.

How can I help?

We are a Toronto documentary production company making a documentary series about addiction. If your story is chosen as part of our documentary, we may be able to help your loved one get treatment.

Facts

• 1 in 10 Canadians 15 years of age and over report alcohol or illicit drug dependence.
  - Statistics Canada: Canadian Community Health Survey: Mental Health and Well-being, 2003
• The World Health Organization estimates that “worldwide, alcohol causes 2.5 million deaths and about 20-30% worldwide of oesophageal cancer, liver cancer, cirrhosis of the liver, homicide, epilepsy, and motor vehicle accidents.
  - WHO Management of substance abuse
• There were 47,007 deaths attributable to substance abuse in Canada in 2002.
  - “The Costs of Substance Abuse in Canada 2006”, Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse
• More than 17 million Americans have alcohol-use disorders, and 4.2 million have other drug-use disorders. Approximately 5% of Americans are alcohol dependent. (August 9, 2004)
  - Addiction Science and Research Center, University of Texas
• Children who have an alcohol dependent parent are 3-4 times more likely to become alcohol dependent. (February 17, 2003)
  - Addiction Science and Research Center, University of Texas
• One in 10 people report being negatively affected by someone else’s gambling.
  - Responsible Gambling Council of Canada
• Treatment works; there is hope for people with addictions
  - Butler Center for Research, Hazelden Addiction Treatment Center