March 22-28, 2021 is National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week.
Stronger Together covered substance abuse disorders (SUDs) in December 2020 - revisit this topic here!
Substance Use Disorders is when someone continues to use a substance despite adverse outcomes, such as:
changes in appetite
lack of motivation
substance craving
weight loss/gain
tremors
slowed reaction time
euphoric
panic
Mental illnesses can also develop from substance use, this is called substance-induced disorder.
Did you know that 20 MILLION Americans suffer from SUDs, but only 10% actually receive treatment?
Research also shows that cis-gendered men and women almost equally experience SUDs, but cis-gendered male graduate students are more likely to suffer from SUD consequences - including injury, death, or unable to complete their degree.
If you are struggling with a SUD, we encourage you to seek out professional help.
Some resources available to help you include:
Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre
The Support Group Project
SAMHSA
Alcoholics or Narcotics Anonymous
Helping Others Live Sover
There are also some apps available that can help keep you on track: Pear reSET, Sober Grid, Addicaid, Talkspace