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Substances are things that change the way you feel and that can make the body react in a way that some people find enjoyable. Some things you might not think could be harmful, such as coffee or medications, are substances. Other things like alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana, cocaine and heroin are substances too. People take substances by smoking, swallowing, snorting or injecting them.
What Happens When You Take Substances?
Substances can change your mood, change your brain, and have a negative effect on your brain and body.
The more you use a substance, the harder it is to stop using it and the stronger the effect it has on your body and mind. For example, if you drink alcohol, you could experience one or more of these issues:
liver damage
stomach problems
heart and circulation problems
problems with muscles and bones
always feeling sick
blackouts
feeling tired all the time
problems getting a good night's sleep
brain damage
Stages of Substance Use
There are a range of experiences with substance use, as you can see from the image below. It is helpful to know where you are on the continuum when you are deciding whether it is time to make a change.
Canadian Low Risk Drinking Guidelines Can Help You
If you choose to drink, you may be at some risk for the health problems mentioned above. You can limit the effects on your health by following these guidelines:
Men: drink no more than 3 drinks per day, and no more than 15 per week. If you drink more than 5 drinks on one occasion, it is considered binge drinking.
Women: drink no more than 2 drinks per day, and no more than 10 per week. If you drink more than 4 drinks on one occasion, it is considered binge drinking.
Are you concerned about your own drinking?
If you would like to talk to someone individually about your substance use, speak to your doctor about being referred to one of the HFHT’s counsellors.
If you are interested in an online program to do at your own pace, check out Breaking Free. This can be accessed online here.
Nutrition and Substance Use Disorder
High alcohol and drug use increases nutrient needs due damage to the gut mucosa leading to impaired nutrient absorption
Alcohol and substance use often impairs appetite leading to malnutrition and nutritional deficiencies including: vitamins B1, B6, B9, B12, vitamin D, iron, magnesium, zinc, protein
Malnutrition may promote drug-seeking and impede recovery
Many people living with substance use disorder have other mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and disordered eating
Growing evidence is reporting that Better Diet Can = Better Mental Health
Talk with your patients about the benefits of healthy eating on their mental health