People can become addicted to substances, like alcohol or other drugs. This is sometimes called a ‘substance use dependence’. Addiction can also happen when a behaviour becomes out of control in some way, like problem gambling.

People use substances for many different reasons. Someone may use alcohol to wind down at the end of a long, busy week. A teenager may use cannabis with friends to be social. Someone who has been injured may use opioid medication to manage their pain.

People can use substances, in these ways and others, without experiencing substance use challenges. Substances can also cause harm without addiction. For example, someone could use an illicit substance for the first time and experience a fatal overdose.

More and more, the conversation about addiction is changing. People are becoming more aware of using words and language that reduce stigma.

Addiction is a health condition. It is the result of external factors, not personal choices. There are often different reasons behind someone’s addiction. If someone has not experienced addiction themselves or with a person they care about, there may be things about this condition they do not know.

Where to get help for addiction

• Find Opioid Agonist Treatment Clinics that are accepting new patients. 
• Call the Opioid Treatment Access Line at 1-833-804-8111 for same-day support 
• Learn about treatment and supportive recovery services and find a list of services throughout BC.
• Call 8-1-1 for information on recovery and addiction treatment services in your area, or to speak to a registered nurse or pharmacist.