Series of Blog Posts on Substance Use
There are 41 blog posts in the Substance Use category. Although they were written during COVID, much of the information in them appears to be 'evergreen'. Do you want to keep this blog series? I have cleaned up the formatting of the first 6 blog posts. If you want to keep them, I will show you what needs to be done to format the remaining 35 posts. (Alison)
Substance Use Blog Series Part 1: Getting Help With Reducing Or Abstaining From Substance Use For Delta Residents
Deltassist has prepared this series of blog posts containing relevant resources and support groups for adults who are looking to explore their substance use and/or get help in reducing, abstaining or recovering. Although accessing services might take time and effort, you are not alone!
Substance Use Blog Series Part 2: Withdrawal Management (Known Sometimes as Detox)
Prolonged alcohol and/or drug use can cause the human body to become dependent on these substances. When the substance(s) stop entering the body or are being consumed at a reduced amount, the body goes through what is known as “withdrawal” as it tries to re-adjust to the loss of the substance. Symptoms of withdrawal vary.
Substance Use Blog Series Part 3: Medical Treatment For Opioid Use Disorder (Opioid Agonist Treatment)
Opioids include prescription drugs such as oxycontin and morphine, as well as street drugs such as heroine and fentanyl. Withdrawal symptoms are better managed by special medications that slowly adjust the body to the absence of the substances rather than by a sudden absence. The medical process of opioid treatment is called Opioid Agonist Treatment.
Substance Use Blog Series Part 4: Substance Use Counselling
At Deltassist, we offer free individual counselling for youth and adults using substances and those who are affected by someone else’s substance use. Some health insurance packages will cover a number of private practice counselling sessions. If you have health insurance through work or privately, check if it includes counselling.
Substance Use Blog Series Part 5: Treatment Programs
Drug and alcohol treatment programs offer structured therapeutic activities to people who want to reduce their substance use and who do not need medically supervised withdrawal management. Treatment programs may include a variety of activities that have been shown to support people in reaching their goals around reducing substance use.
Substance Use Blog Series Part 6: Peer Support and Self-Help
Peer support programs (such as 12 Step and Self-Management and Recovery Training), and the online self-help workbook by Here to Help BC, can be valuable as you navigate your journey with substance use. We’ve listed a number of options here.
Substance Use Services Blog Series: Myths Behind Stigma
Stigma is one of the most significant barriers people face when they reach out for support. When people who use substances and their loved ones face stigma they are discouraged from talking openly about any difficulties. This can prevent them from coming to terms with substance use problems which can lead to increased suffering and potentially tragic consequences.
Substance Use Services Blog Series: Different Kinds of Stigma, Shame, and Self-Compassion
June 18, 2020 Last week’s post introduced the concept of stigma. This week, we’ll be expanding on that topic by examining three different types of stigma and then exploring self-compassion as a means of coping with shame and self-stigma. Different types of stigma The Government of Canada website breaks stigma down into three categories: […]
Substance Use Services Blog Series: Preventing Overdose Deaths Part 1
June 24, 2020 The previous two posts were part of a three-post series addressing stigma. We will finish that series next week, after using this week post to talk about overdose. There will be two separate posts this week to cover information, resources, and strategies to prevent overdose deaths. They are meant to be useful […]