About Addictions 

People can really get into whatever they get into. In our present Nova Scotia society, we find people really "into" many things, from TV soap operas, to their work, to watching sports, etc. Too many people get into drugs with their real physiological and psychological consequences. The impact on their lives and those both close to them and society at large is huge and damaging. Preventing drug addictions and addictions to other risky behaviour, like gambling, is important to us all. Some researchers, like Bruce K. Alexander at the Canadian Centre For Policy Alternatives, think that drugs do not cause addiction. In his recent paper, The Roots of Addiction in Free Market Society he shows how loss of meaningful cultural values, sense of place and family values have traditionally led to more drug use in free market societies than in other societal forms.

Some, including many addicts, think that addiction is a disease. Some think there are "addictive personalities". Whatever the case is, our society is losing many people to addictions and spending a fortune losing "The War On Drugs", on the treatment of addiction, and on human and economic losses from the actions of those addicted. Drug and gambling addicts often end up with family break-up, involved in criminal acts and losing their health. Professionals helping to rid addicts of the curse all say that the addiction is "only the tip of the iceberg", that there are usually many other difficult human issues to determine and resolve for each individual. Moreover, the number of addicts involved in risky behaviour makes the treatment and recovery process very difficult with the resources available. By the time an addict reaches bottom and finally gets help, the chances for a cure are poor.

It is crucial that we do all we can to prevent every person from becoming an addict. It cannot be done by parents or schools alone. Society must find ways for each individual to feel a sense of place, worth and warmth. Society must also overcome its darker facets, like sexual abuse, spiritual emptiness, family break-up, etc. Many addicts have experienced those dark facets. Addicts need to learn many things from valuing self, to impulse and anger control, to good lifestyle components. It is a daunting task for each one.

Prevention must also have many facets. Most alcohol and drug addicts are also smokers. We must insure that our young people do not become smokers. We must also be able to recognize the traits which youth at risk of drug, or gambling addiction might show. Below is a list based on signs and symptoms compiled by Drug Dependency Services.
 

• Developing a poor self image

• Poor family, social and peer relationships

• Growing neglect of good eating habits and exercise

• Periodic outbursts from frustration or fear of failure

• Deteriorating performance at work or school

• Decreasing communications, increasing absences from work or school

• More companionship with people with problems or those who are dysfunctional

• Diminishing sense of personal spirituality

Many youth with these signs may have poor self esteem.  The Open Learning Agency has links to several sites with resources for youth on self esteem.

If you notice symptoms in a family member, call upon the resources at Addiction Prevention and Treatment Services, your church, school, or professional counsellors. Some employers have Employee Assistance Programs which can help you or help find resources. Try to determine the underlying issues which may be leading to the risky behaviour.