Using substances or engaging in addictive behaviours may not be easy to neatly categorize or label. It’s more complicated than that. Often addiction becomes a problem when it starts interfering with a person’s ability to be well, or their everyday activities, or when someone keeps using even though there are lots of negative consequences.
At the root of substance use disorders or addictions are often attempts to escape one’s pain, either through a substance or other behavior that has negative consequences.
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- Family history of alcohol or other substance use problems
- Difficulty coping with or managing stress and other problems
- Problems at home
- Having an untreated anxiety, depression or other mental health conditions
- Difficulty fitting in at school, at work or with peers
- Having a stressful life change or experiencing trauma