Testimonial of parent at a family support group – Cassidy Lake Note: They have chosen not to have their names attached Our son, 19 at the time, was struggling with addiction, which we were not aware of. We thought it was just weekend drinking with friends, but it was more than that. He was… Read more »
Could substance use be hiding an attempt to survive? Adolescence and the transition to adulthood are often synonymous with instability and challenges. For many adolescents, hormonal changes, a desire for autonomy and the will to define oneself are intertwined with mental health issues. An increasing number of youth struggle with anxiety, depression or ADHD. Self-medication… Read more »
On March 8, Portage marked International Women’s Rights Day, a perfect opportunity to reflect on the issues women face in various aspects of their lives. The issue of women and addiction is often misunderstood, not to mention taboo. Women often struggle with addiction on their own for fear of being stigmatized and judged and because… Read more »
Over the past few years, more and more young people have been buying drugs through major social media platforms. Online access to drugs has become extremely easy and the overwhelming majority of dealers who supply substance-dependent youth operate via social networks. Quick Access to Increasingly Dangerous Substances The growth of social networks has… Read more »
Anyone can become addicted to drugs or alcohol, even celebrities. Some choose to speak openly about their road to recovery. Here are five celebrities who battled their demons and now offer hope and motivation to those who are still struggling. Bradley Cooper: I got sober at 29 years old, and you know, I’ve been sober… Read more »
Our clinical counsellors play a vital role in our residents’ therapeutic journey. They are pillars of support for our residents as they progress through their therapy. Inspired by the expertise of a level 4 substance use clinical counsellor at Portage, this article explores the techniques used to accompany residents throughout their therapy. Plan of care… Read more »
Recovery day, which is celebrated every year on September 30, helps raise awareness about the complexity of addiction while also sending an important message: you can overcome addiction. People from all over the world talk about their journey, their challenges and their victories, providing hope and inspiration to those still battling addiction. This article details… Read more »
Dopamine plays a central role in our well-being and our ability to experience feelings of pleasure and motivation. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter; often referred to as the ʺhappy hormoneʺ, it is the focus of numerous studies in the fields of neuroscience, psychology and medicine. In this article, we look at the role of dopamine, how… Read more »
A recently published report by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) states ʺIn 2020, we estimate substance use (SU) cost people in Canada more than $49 billion and led to the loss of over 200 lives every dayʺ. Between healthcare costs, loss of productivity, changing consumption patterns and increasingly toxic illicit and… Read more »
The health risks linked to excessive alcohol use are well-known and have been the focus of numerous awareness campaigns. But it’s not always easy to assess your alcohol consumption. Below are guidelines you can use to determine if you have an alcohol problem. 1. Determine how much you’re drinking Start by counting… Read more »
