Understanding Substance Use and Addiction

Geographic Level: Province

Province: MB

Because before we can help, support, or solve, we need to understand—without judgment, just honesty and empathy.

Topics

What Is Addiction? (2 discussions)
Defining substance use disorder and distinguishing it from use.
The Science of Addiction (2 discussions)
Brain chemistry, reward systems, and how substances alter behaviour.
Genetics and Risk Factors (2 discussions)
How heredity and environment interact in addiction.
Social and Economic Drivers (2 discussions)
Poverty, housing, trauma, and community factors.
Cultural Perspectives on Substance Use (2 discussions)
How different societies view and respond to addiction.
Stigma and Misconceptions (2 discussions)
Myths that prevent people from seeking help.
Substance Use Across the Lifespan (2 discussions)
Youth, adults, and seniors: different patterns and risks.
Addiction and the Criminal Justice System (2 discussions)
The impact of criminalization and alternatives to punishment.
Comparing Substances and Their Impacts (2 discussions)
Alcohol, opioids, stimulants, cannabis, and prescription drugs.
Future of Addiction Research (2 discussions)
Advances in neuroscience, public health, and treatment innovation.