Addictions

GLBTT* people have unique challenges to face when it comes to addictive substances. Some subcultures encourage substance use, and the GLBTT* community is often a specific target for marketing substances such as alcohol. If you are regularly exposed to violence or hostility because of your identity, substance use may seem to be an effective way of masking depression or alleviating stress (see Oppression).

However, we can end up doing more harm to ourselves, becoming addicted to or dependent on substances that can have long-term effects on our health and well-being. For example, if we depend on substances to give us the courage to hook up with someone we're attracted to, our judgment about making safer sex choices can be impaired.

There are different types of addictions, including substance addictions such as drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, and behavioural addictions such as gambling, workaholism, and excessive exercising. Most of the things we get addicted to are not bad in themselves, it’s just that they become unhealthy when we become dependent on them or when they interfere with our lives.

We may not recognize our own addiction or dependency if it has developed slowly. If people you trust are expressing concern about something you’re doing or not doing, it might be a good idea to talk with a health care professional who can give you a formal diagnosis.

Addictive or dependent behaviour often includes the following patterns:

• Difficulty controlling use of a substance or reliance on a behaviour
• Symptoms of withdrawal
• Requiring more to get the same or desired effect
• Difficulty stopping in spite of negative or harmful effects

This last point is important. Part of the challenge of addictions is that the illness is somewhat beyond your control. If you could change it, you probably would. You are not lazy or inadequate if you can’t stop a pattern of dependency. Most people require professional help to change addictive patterns. It’s a sign of strength, not of weakness, if you can recognize what’s going on and get professional help for yourself.

Managing Problem Substance Use (downloadable toolkit)
http://heretohelp.bc.ca/skills/managing-problem-substance-use