Drugs of Abuse

There a many drugs used and abused in Regina and Saskatchewan as a whole. Alcohol continues to be the most abused drug. It causes more problems than all the other drugs combined. That being said, the abuse of other drugs is rampant.

People often use alcohol and drugs without understanding the effects on their body, their life and the people around them. 

 Fact Sheets Developed by SaskHealth Community Care Branch

What is Low Risk Drinking?

It is your choice whether you decide to drink or not. However, in North America, alcohol is frequently misused and abused. It is not that most people are alcohol dependent. The problem is that many people in our society drink too much and too frequently. In an effort to alleviate this problem, the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse has developed the Low Risk Drinking Guidelines (LRDG's).  

The LRDG's describe a level of alcohol use that in all likelihood will not create problems for most people. The attached brochure outlines the LRDG's and also lists situations when NONE is the best option. All alcohol volumes refer to standard drinks.  A standard drink refers to 12 ounces of beer, cooler or cider, five ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled alcohol.  
Remember,  these are  limits, not goals. Also remember that limits for seniors (60+) are slightly lower.  

Is Alcohol or Drugs Causing a Problem?

Is alcohol or other drugs a problem for me?

This simple questionnaire can help you decide if alcohol or other drug use may be becoming a problem for you.  

• Have you ever thought you should Cut down on your drinking or drug use?
• Do you ever get Annoyed when someone criticizes your drinking or drug use?
• Do you ever feel Guilty about your drinking or drug use?
• Do you ever feel the need for a drink or to use drugs first thing in the day (Eye-opener) to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?

Answering yes to two of these questions may indicate that alcohol or drugs could be a problem. You may find it beneficial to speak with a counsellor or seek some help in the community. 

This brochure on Adult Recovery may be helpful if you believe alcohol or drugs are causing a problem in your life. 

Is your child using alcohol or drugs? 

These links from SaskHealth Community Care Branch and HealthLine may provide some helpful information if you believe your child is using alcohol or drugs.  

Additional information is available from Child and Youth Services. Addiction counsellors who specialize in working with youth are available to answer your questions. Call 306-766-6700 for more information.

Is Someone Else's Alcohol or Drug Use Causing Problems in Your Life?

Substance abuse and addiction does not just cause problems for the person that is using, but everyone around them is affected as well. The uncertainty, worry and even fear that is felt by many family members take their toll. Broken promises, missing money, and problems at work or with the law, put a strain on everyone in a close relationship with a chemically dependent person. 

It is easy to see what the substance abuse or dependence is doing to the person that is using, but often we do not recognize how it is affecting us.  

Answering yes to some of these questions, may be an indicator that another persons substance use is a problem for you.

• Do you worry about how much someone drinks or uses drugs?
• Do you tell lies to cover up for someone else's drinking or using?
• Do you have money problems because of someone else's substance use?
• Are plans frequently upset or canceled because of the substance user? 
• Are you afraid to upset someone for fear it will set off a drinking or using bout?
• Have you been hurt or embarassed by a drinker's or user's behaviour?
• Do you feel like a failure because you can't control the other person's substance use?

If you have answered yes to any one of these questions, you may find it beneficial to speak with a counsellor or seek out a self-help program such as Al-anon.

More Information about Alcohol and Drug Use and Abuse

There are many sources of information about alcohol and drugs on the internet. Two highly respected sources of accurate information are the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and the Centre for Mental Health and Addiction. These two Canadian resources provide well-researched and legitimate information on substance use, abuse and addiction.  

The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA) works with it's partners to bring people and knowledge together, to address issues of substance use and abuse in our society. Select the link below for access to their website.

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is the largest Canadian mental health and addiction teaching hospital as well as one of the worlds leading research centres in the area of addiction and mental health. With eight satelite centres, they also provide treatment services to Ontario. Select the link below for access to their website.