Alcohol or Drug Addiction and Suicide

What is addiction to alcohol or drugs? 

Addiction to alcohol or drugs is characterized by a difficulty in controlling substance use, despite negative consequences it can cause (i.e.: financial, social, professional or academic, psychological).  

Which substances can lead to addiction?

  • Alcohol
  • Cannabis (pot, marijuana, etc.)
  • Hallucinogens (ketamine, GHB, LSD, ecstasy, etc.)
  • Stimulants (cocaine, speed, crystal meth, crack, Ritalin, Concerta, etc.)
  • Inhalants (glue, gas, paint, etc.)
  • Caffeine
  • Tobacco
  • Opiates (heroine, morphine, fentanyl, Dilaudid, oxycodone, etc.)
  • Sedatives (anxiolytics, hypnotics, etc.)

How to recognise addiction to substances? 

  • Psychological signs: 
    • Frequently thinking about using 
    • Using to get through physical, psychological, or social difficulties 
    • Wanting to reduce or stop using, but finding it difficult to do so 
  • Behavioural signs: 
    • Spending a lot of time using 
    • Neglecting activities or important people (family, friends, school, hobbies, sports, social engagements, etc.) 
    • Adopting at-risk behaviours (driving under the influence, unprotected sex, or using non-sterilized syringes) 
  • Physical signs: 
    • Developing a tolerance (needing to use more to obtain the same effects) 
    • Having trouble recuperating from the effects of using 
    • Feeling withdrawal symptoms (i.e.: shaking, insomnia, sweating, nausea, psychological distress, etc.) when reducing or stopping usage

What are the potential consequences of alcohol or drug addiction?

Addiction can have an impact on many spheres of life. The consequences vary according to the substance, the quantity, the frequency and context of use. Here are some examples: 

  • Physical: nausea, pain, issues sleeping, weight gain or loss, infections, accidents, or chronic illnesses
  • Relational and social: conflicts with loved ones, social isolation or withdrawal, romantic or platonic break-ups, loss of interest in activities that once brought enjoyment 
  • Professional and financial: problems at school or work, absenteeism, job loss, debt, or financial instability 
  • Psychological: significant mood changes, difficulty concentrating or memory issues, depression, anxiety, paranoia, psychosis, or suicidal thoughts 

You use substances and have suicidal thoughts? 

Using drugs or alcohol can come with significant distress. Some people can have suicidal thoughts. If that’s your case, it’s important to reach out. 

We encourage you to look through the following sections: 

 

01 Taking stock of your mental health

The first step toward taking back control is identifying what’s causing your suicidal thoughts.

02 Taking care of yourself

There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself and regain your balance when you’re having suicidal thoughts.

03 Talking about it with your loved ones

Asking for help from your family and friends isn’t always easy. There are different ways of going about it.

04 Finding support services

Every day, all sorts of people contact support services to get the help they need.

What to do if you have symptoms of alcohol or drug addiction? 

If you have one or more symptoms associated with drug or alcohol addiction, first, contact 811 option 2 (Info-Social) to speak to a responder about your situation and be referred to local resources that can help as needed. 

To obtain an evaluation or a follow-up with a healthcare professional, speak to a general practitioner (i.e.: family doctor), a psychologist, or contact your local CLSC.  

Other resources can also help someone experiencing addiction to drugs or alcohol.

Find resources

Some tips to help you if you are having issues related to substance use 

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