Google Translate Disclaimer
A number of pages on the Government of Saskatchewan's website have been professionally translated in French. These translations are identified by a yellow box in the right or left rail that resembles the link below. The home page for French-language content on this site can be found at:
Where an official translation is not available, Google™ Translate can be used. Google™ Translate is a free online language translation service that can translate text and web pages into different languages. Translations are made available to increase access to Government of Saskatchewan content for populations whose first language is not English.
Software-based translations do not approach the fluency of a native speaker or possess the skill of a professional translator. The translation should not be considered exact, and may include incorrect or offensive language. The Government of Saskatchewan does not warrant the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of any information translated by this system. Some files or items cannot be translated, including graphs, photos and other file formats such as portable document formats (PDFs).
Any person or entities that rely on information obtained from the system does so at his or her own risk. Government of Saskatchewan is not responsible for any damage or issues that may possibly result from using translated website content. If you have any questions about Google™ Translate, please visit: Google™ Translate FAQs.
Are you misusing alcohol and/or drugs?
Are you dependent on alcohol and/or drugs?
Health care providers can help assess your habits and behaviours and work with you to lead a healthier life.
You can:
NOTE:The following is for information only and should not replace advice from an Addictions or Mental Health Counsellor, doctor, or other health care provider.
2022 National Addictions Awareness Week is November 20 to 26. For more information, visit National Addictions Awareness Week.
Local events encourage individuals to learn more about alcohol and drug misuse, the potential harms associated with these activities, how to decrease stigma associated with misuse, and connect for help with mental health and addictions services.
Addressing mental health and addictions issues is complex, and it takes the efforts of many organizations, services and individuals working together to ensure that citizens with mental health and addictions issues have their needs met in the most appropriate and coordinated way. The Ministry of Health supports the recommendations of the Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan.
Alcohol, Drug and Addictions Resources are available to assist individuals, families, service providers, physicians and communities support those with mental health and addictions issues.
Alcohol is sometimes used to relax, socialize and celebrate. If you decide to drink alcohol it's important to do so in a safe and responsible way. Problematic drinking patterns can lead to a range of social and health related harms.
Ask yourself:
If you are male: Two "yes" responses suggests a current or past alcohol problem.
If you are female: One "yes" response suggests a current or past alcohol problem (Bradley et al. 1998).
A health care provider such as a physician and/or Addictions Counsellor may be able to assist. They can assess if you have a drinking problem and can help you determine ways to lead a healthy life. This could include suggestions that you cut back on your alcohol use or stop drinking alcohol.
Source: Ewing, J.A. (1984). Detecting alcoholism: The CAGE questionnaire, Journal of the American Medical Association, 252 (14), 1905-1907. Used with permission from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
Prescription drugs can enhance your quality of life when taken as directed by your prescriber. Licensed prescribers have the expertise to determine what prescription medications are most effective and how to use them safely. When medications are misused/abused, they can be harmful.
There are a number of questions you can ask yourself to determine if you are using prescribed medication safely.
Do you:
Do you find out from your prescriber or pharmacist:
Cannabis refers to marijuana, hashish, and hash oil. Marijuana looks grey, green or brown and is the dried leaves and the flowering parts of the hemp plant, cannabis sativa. Cannabis is usually smoked in a joint, pipe, or bong. In most instances cannabis is illegal and there are potential harms associated with its use.
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health suggests that key signs of problematic substance abuse include:
Used with permission from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
Cannabis/marijuana can affect people in different ways. Stay informed about the risks that cannabis can pose to your health and well-being. Seek support if you need it from a health care provider such as a physician and/or Addictions Counsellor.
We need your feedback to improve saskatchewan.ca. Help us improve