knowledge heals
About 21 % of Canadians will experience substance misuse challenges in their lifetime. Substance use should be considered on a spectrum—as should the desired outcomes. There's no one solution that suits everyone, because there's no one reason why someone uses substances. Educating everyone on these topics creates safety for those using to seek out support and make sustainable changes.
the substance use spectrum
hover over each stage to learn more
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EXPERIMENTAL USE
This initial stage is typically a state of curiosity about how a substance feels.
Example: trying a drink at a social event or very occasional, exploratory use of other intoxicants..
Risk level: low; little to no impact on daily functions
RECREATIONAL USE
Social use of a substance has become a bit more common, perhaps patterned.
Example: habitual weekend use or use prior to, during, or after specific but frequent events.
Risk level: moderate; if frequency is low to moderate and there is minimal impact on daily functions.
REGULAR USE
This stage is highly patterned and habitual use, often outside the context of using to enhance social experiences. It is not uncommon for someone to transition from recreational to regular use without awareness of the change.
Example: routinely having a drink or more to unwind.
Risk level: high; it is not uncommon for people to minimize or deny any impact to their daily functions.
DEPENDANT USE
This stage is defined by compulsive use where symptoms of withdrawal are experienced.
Example: there is clear evidence that someone's health status, relationships, finances and / or emotional well-being have been impacted.
the stages of change
hover over each stage to learn more
PRE-CONTEMPLATION
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This person is not currently considering change and may feel that there is no need to pursue change.
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They don't feel that their habits are destructive or causing anyone harm.
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They typically don't want to be told what to do and are unreceptive to offers of support
START
RELAPSE
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At this stage, someone has resumed old habits around substance use and is suffering from an immediate dip in self-esteem.
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Relapse is an expected part of recovery, not a failure.
Note: All stages are fluid. This cycle is not exited or revolving; the goal is to arrive and remain in the maintenance stage.
PREPARATION
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This person feels clear that they desire change and is ready to take steps towards it.
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They may already be experimenting with small adjustments or making arrangements for support in doing so in the very near future
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They may or may not have an idea of a timeline and personal goals at this stage.
ACTION
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This person is taking steps to pursue change.
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They are creating and holding themselves accountable to new patterns of behaviours.
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They are avoiding situations in which they know they may feel triggered to use.
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They are typically willing to follow suggested strategies and receive support.
CONTEMPLATION
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This person is curious about their behaviour and its impacts.
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They are identifying the pros and cons of their use but are not yet convinced that the cons outweigh the pros.
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They may feel ambivalent about change.
MAINTENANCE
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This person has consistently embraced change for a period of months.
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They have an unwavering commitment to their new habits and avoiding temptations.
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They have well-developed coping skills and support systems.
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At this stage, the work is to prevent falling back to old behaviours involving using (relapse)
- Prochaska & DiClemente, 1983