Getting Help
Addictions - Did You Know?
Individuals are addicted when the use of alcohol, drugs and/or other
substances or activities interferes with any part of their lives.
Addicts continue to use the substance or repeat the activity in spite
of damage to their emotional, physical, mental and spiritual health.
There are 2 types of Addictions. SUBSTANCE ADDICTIONS are
when substances are ingested into the body and can include things
like alcohol, nicotine, food, prescription and non-prescription drugs,
illicit drugs and caffeine. PROCESS ADDICTIONS are learned
activities and behaviours that can take control of ones life and can
include things like shopping, gambling, sex, exercise, worrying,
overwork and the internet.
Addictions can harm healthy relationships, success in school and
career goals, healthy choices, positive role modeling, positive
parenting, healthy living environments and individual achievements
and accomplishments. Addictions affect our family, our friends, our
communities and our Nations.
Something to Think About...
How do contributing factors like past history, current situation,
consequences, unresolved issues, self awareness, spirituality,
feelings of emptiness, preventions, interventions, treatments, etc.,
affect our choices?
How do beliefs, habits, attitudes and emotions affect behaviours?
How is motivation, learning and the brain involved? Is addiction a
disease? Is addiction a symptom? Is addiction a behaviour? Or is
addictive behaviour a choice?
Admitting There is a Problem
The first struggle is admitting that there is a problem and
recognizing that it will not go away without help.
If gambling, drugs, alcohol and/or mental health is a problem for
you or someone you know, please call these:
Toll Free Helplines
Free Confidential Anonymous 24/7
Ontario
1-888-230-3505
Drug and Alcohol Information Line
1-800-565-8603
Mental Health - Service Information
Voluntary Exclusion Program
Many casinos offer this unique program that provides problem
gamblers with a method to acknowledge that they have a gambling
problem and take personal responsibility for it by agreeing to stop
visiting casinos.
exclusion policy where patrons ban themselves from entering all
Charity Casino 683-1935.
Counseling for Gamblers & Families
Free counselling for problem gamblers and their family members is
provided through various health and social services agencies.
Please visit the following website for services available in your area.
Problem Gambling Treatment Resource Directory
www.opgh.on.ca
Self Help
The Provincial Aboriginal Responsible Gambling Strategy
developed and distributed over 33,000 copies of this Self-Help
Booklet throughout Ontario.
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Please see the 'LINKS' page for support groups etc.
