Everyone reacts differently after a disaster or emergency. Some people may use substances to relax, deal with their emotions, or cope with a stressful situation. Substances are anything that alters your mood, mind, or state. They include things like alcohol, caffeine, tobacco or vaping products, cannabis, illegal drugs, and over-the-counter or prescription medicines. Using substances changes your brain’s ability to deal with stressful situations and difficult feelings.
Using substances for a short time may:
- make it hard for you to control your actions
- affect your safety and the safety of the people around you
- increase the risk of family violence
- lead to accidents, like if you drive or use equipment while impaired
- lead to sleep problems
- make it harder for you to think clearly or make decisions
Using substances for a long time may:
- affect your relationships with family and friends
- lead to long-term health problems like diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers
- increase your risk of becoming dependent on substances
- increase your risk of developing a mental illness like anxiety or depression
- increase feelings of anger, impatience, sadness, or thoughts of suicide
If you’re thinking about suicide, hurting yourself, or hurting others call the Mental Health Helpline at 1-877-303-2642, go to the nearest emergency department, or call 911.
Managing substance use after a disaster or emergency
All substances can be misused, even if your doctor prescribes them. Use prescription and over-the-counter medicines only as directed. If you feel your medicine isn’t working, talk to a healthcare provider.
To manage your substance use after a disaster or emergency event:
- pay attention to any change in your substance use, like if you use more or more often
- take care of yourself by:
- eating healthy
- being physically active every day
- getting enough sleep
- practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and stretching to help manage your stress
- connect and stay connected with your social supports like friends, family, and support groups
- avoid mixing alcohol and other drugs—this can cause harm or even death
- talk to a healthcare provider about safe ways to help with anxiety, depression, and sleep problems
After a disaster, there are times when not using substances is the best choice. This includes when:
- emotions are high, like when you are feeling strong anger, sadness, or grief
- driving a vehicle, using tools, or operating machinery
- taking prescription medicine
- you’re responsible for others
- you need to move or act quickly
- you have to make important decisions
- you’re living with mental or physical health problems
- you’re pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant
Signs your substance use is becoming a problem
Your substance use may be a problem if:
- you’re using substances more than usual
- you find it hard to cut back or stop
- you’re using substances to cope with your feelings or stressful situations
- friends, family, or co-workers have told you they’re concerned about your substance use
- you hide your substance use from family and friends
- while using substances you can’t remember things you’ve said or done, have harmed yourself or others, or feel like you can’t stop
If you’re having trouble managing your substance use, talk to a trusted friend, counsellor, support person, or healthcare provider. For information about managing your substance use, support options, or to be referred to services in your area, call the Addiction Helpline at 1-866-332-2322.
If you’ve had a substance use problem before
For people in recovery, experiencing a disaster or emergency can trigger strong urges to use substances again. For others, it makes them more committed to recovery.
No matter what you’re going through, it’s important to make a choice to stay in recovery. Here are a few suggestions to help you:
- talk with friends and family about how they can support you to prevent a relapse
- reach out to supports that have helped you before, like a counsellor, sponsor, your workplace Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), or a healthcare provider
- attend a self-help or support group more often
If your support group has been moved because of the disaster or emergency event, or if you’ve moved out of your community, contact Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) to find a meeting in your area. They may also have online support options, like online meetings or group chats.
