Addiction Services

Other Drugs

Drugs change the way we think, act or feel. They do that by changing the chemical reactions in our bodies and our brains. Some drugs speed things up and make us feel energetic; others slow things down and make us feel relaxed. Some drugs cause our bodies to release the chemicals that make us feel happy; others may alter reality completely and make our minds and bodies feel disconnected.

People take drugs many ways for many reasons. A healthcare provider may prescribe a drug to help us feel better. A person may take a legal, non-prescription drug to help them sleep. People also choose to take illegal drugs to enhance a mood, to share an experience with friends, or even to escape temporarily from a difficult, unhappy or stressful situation.

While some drugs are more harmful than others, all drug use carries some risks. These include:

• developing an addiction
• accidental (and sometimes fatal) double-dosing by mixing two sedatives, such as alcohol and sleeping pills
• introducing poisons into the body through impure or unknown illegal drugs (it's impossible to know the content of an illegal drug; even buying from the same dealer guarantees nothing)
• exposure to diseases such as HIV or hepatitis through the sharing of needles
• potentially affecting your baby, if you are pregnant or nursing

People who have a predisposition to mental health problems may trigger depression by taking drugs that elevate serotonin levels in the brain. And people with high-blood pressure risk having a heart attack by taking stimulants.

It's Your Choice

Only you can decide if the way you use drugs is harmfully affecting your life. These questions may help you decide if it's time for a change:

• Are you having relationship problems with your spouse, children, or parents because of your drug use?
• Are you having problems at school or work, or missing time, because of drugs?
• Are you having financial problems because so much of your money goes to drugs?
• Has your physical health declined because of your use?
• Do you feel guilty, hopeless, depressed or suicidal?

Help is available if you want to change. In Nova Scotia, an entire range of addiction services are provided free of charge through Nova Scotia's District Health Authorities and the IWK. No one will know you called or came in and your information will be kept in strictest confidence. The extent of the change is also your choice — no one is going to make you stop. But we can help you from experiencing further harm. Find the Addiction Services nearest you.

It's important to know that withdrawal from some drugs can require medical supervision. Do not try to go "cold turkey" on your own. Call Addiction Services for help before cutting down or stopping your use.

For more information, go back to the top of this page and see the links on the right hand side of your screen.