Stages of the substance use spectrum1
Non-use is avoiding the use of substances (abstinence). For example, not using drugs, tobacco, or alcohol.
Beneficial use is use that can have positive health, social, or spiritual effects. For example, taking medication as prescribed, ceremonial or religious use of substances.
Lower-risk use is use that reduces potential harms to health and does not have any beneficial health or social effects. It has minimal impact if any on a person, their family, friends, and others.
For example:
- following Canada’s New Guidance on Alcohol and Health (CCSA) when drinking
- using cannabis according to Canada’s Lower-risk Cannabis Use Guidelines (Health Canada).
Higher-risk use is use that happens more frequently or regularly and has a harmful and negative impact on a person’s health and well-being. Higher-risk substance use can lead to or may already be causing negative impacts on personal relationships or work.
For example:
- impaired driving
- using substances when they should be avoided (for example, during working hours)
- increasing quantity used
- increasing frequency of use
- combining multiple substances
Substance use disorder (addiction) occurs when substance use has evolved into a chronic condition/disease where substance use is regular and problematic with negative impacts on overall health, relationships, work, and finances. This is a formal medical diagnosis and a treatable medical condition that affects the brain and involves compulsive and continuous use despite negative impacts on a person, their family, friends, and others.
For example:
- Someone cannot stop using drugs, tobacco, or alcohol even if they want to
- Someone needs to use drugs daily
Someone needs to use drugs to avoid withdrawal symptoms
Individual Factors
Drugs, tobacco, and alcohol have different effects on a person depending on factors such as,3
- sex
- age
- weight
- tolerance
- underlying health conditions
- the substance(s) being used
The best way to avoid any harms from substance use is to avoid use. However, many people use substances without causing significant harm to themselves or others. In some cases, substances have a serious risk of harm at any level of use.
Children and young adults are especially vulnerable to the effects of substances because of their impacts on their development. In some cases, there may be no level of beneficial use or lower-risk use.
Recovery and Resources
The path to recovery from a substance use disorder is possible but it looks different for everyone. Some people may benefit from non-use (abstinence). Others may need different supports, which could include,3
- counselling
- medication
- withdrawal management
- wrap-around services, such as employment and housing to support longer-term wellness
Support and services are available for people who use drugs. With the right supports, a person can improve their health across the spectrum.2 For assistance finding services in your area visit ConnexOntario.