Substance Abuse Information and Statistics
What is the definition of substance abuse?
Substance abuse is the recurring pattern of use of illegal or legal substances which impact one’s overall life socially, economically, mentally, emotionally, and physically.
How did COVID-19 impact/affect substance abuse users?
COVID-19 impacted this issue by giving individuals additional income through governmental subsidies to support their habits and put individuals out of work which allowed them to spend time on their negative habits.
What are some short-term effects of substance abuse?
Even after the first use, one experiences withdrawals, feeling a crash, anxiety, panic attacks, being paranoid, hallucinating, getting very irritable, and becoming very sad or depressed.
What is at the end of the tunnel? Why are we not alone if we are facing substance abuse?
There is light at the end of the tunnel and we are not alone regarding our troubles with substance abuse because there are services to help those in need.
What is the House of Sophrosyne's priority?
The charity’s top priority is to serve the community, especially women 16 years or older dealing with substance abuse within their lifetime. All types of women with different backgrounds are welcomed into this building, for they provide a non-judgmental, client-centered harm reduction facility to any woman seeking help.
How much percent out of the 6 million people in Canada using illicit drug users, are between the ages of 15-24?
Out of the 6 million people in Canada, 60% of illicit drug users in Canada are between the ages of 15-24.
What did COVID-19 negatively affect regarding rates, strains, and those who were near help services?
COVID-19 affected crime rates and homelessness in the downtown core. It puts strain on social services and has negative consequences for nearby residential communities located near these services.
What are some long-term effects of substance abuse?
Substance abuse can result in deaths caused by overdose, homelessness, mental health, permanent strain on community and family relationships, abandonment, financial despair, suicidal thoughts, and strain on community services and resources.
How can we change and what are common misconceptions/myths?
We need to defeat the stigma of substance abuse by educating ourselves and others. Through education, we should stop victim-blaming those who do experience substance abuse in their lifetime. These stereotypes can make someone not seek help.
Who is Kim Mallis?
Kim Mallais is a former nurse who suffered from a meth addiction that can be traced back to 2012. She used the House of Sophrosyne to help with her addiction and owes her life to them. She is a case study that proves the fantastic help the House of Sophrosyne provides actually changes lives.
What are some root causes of substance abuse?
The causes of substance abuse, include mental health issues, trauma, chemical dependency, abuse (emotional, mental, sexual, physical), low-income environment or unemployed, having housing issues, and historical effects related to Indigenous trauma.
How does it affect our Windsor community?
Substance abuse victims created a negative stigma and segregation in our Windsor community.
What is the Catholic Social Teaching associated with substance abuse? Why?
The Catholic Social Teachings associated with it are Common Good and Solidarity because they both relate to helping others within our community who are suffering and assisting them to grow to their full potential. If one part of our community is suffering, we all suffer and should help those in need because we are one family, brothers and sisters of God.
What is an interesting program that I mentioned regarding art? What happens within all the programs and services offered?
The House of Sophrosyne also provides an attractive service: a healing through art program. Which helps those in recovery reduce their anxiety. Within the various programs and services offered, affected individuals and families are given a place to live and a time to thrive through recovery with the guidance and encouragement of supervisors.