Alcohol
What it is
Alcohol is a psychoactive drug (meaning that it’s mind-altering) that affects the way we think and behave. It’s a depressant, so it also slows down our heart rate, breathing, thoughts and actions. Alcoholic beverages are made from fermented or distilled grains, fruits, or vegetables, and usually contain 5%, 12%, or 40% alcohol.
How it’s used
Most Canadians drink alcohol, usually in social situations. As a matter of fact, Canadians consume more than 50% above the world average. Many people who drink moderately say that it enhances the enjoyment of ordinary life. But like other drugs, alcohol can also be harmful.
How it affects us
In small amounts, alcohol can make us feel more sociable and talkative. In larger amounts, our inhibitions disappear—so does our balance, vision, coordination and ability to make important decisions.
The risks
Even people who normally drink responsibly can drink too much and make poor decisions—like driving while impaired. Over time, drinking large amounts can also cause cirrhosis, where the liver stops functioning properly. Some people can develop alcohol dependence—meaning they need alcohol to cope with daily life. And if we drink too much in a short amount of time, we can develop alcohol poisoning, which affects our breathing, heart rate and gag reflex, and could even lead to coma or death.
Lowering the risk
Don’t drink too much, and be sure to keep track of the number of drinks you’ve had. Drink slowly and alternate between non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. Eat something before you drink. Don’t drink every day, and set limits on how much you’re going to drink each week. Know the strength of the alcohol you are drinking, and drink only in safe places and times (like with trusted friends) to help minimize alcohol-related harm. Remember, women (on average) can’t drink as much alcohol as men due to differences in their bodies.
When to seek help
Drinking alcohol is a problem when it negatively affects our life or the lives of others.
If your drinking causes significant distress and problems in your daily life, you may have alcohol use disorder. Even a mild disorder can escalate and lead to serious problems, so early treatment is important. If this sounds like you, talk with your doctor. Other ways to get help include talking with a mental health professional or a support group such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
If you're concerned about someone else’s drinking, ask a professional experienced in alcohol treatment for advice on how to approach them.
If someone you know is showing signs of alcohol poisoning, roll the person on their side and call 911 immediately.
Tools
SMART Recovery - Self-Management And Recovery Training
SMART Recovery - Self-Management And Recovery TrainingSelf-Management And Recovery Training (SMART) is a global community of mutual-support groups. At meetings, participants help one another resolve problems with any addiction (to drugs or alcohol or to activities such as gambling or over-eating)...
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CAPSA - Community Addictions Peer Support Association
CAPSA - Community Addictions Peer Support AssociationCAPSA is a National leader on the topic of stigma, its impacts on individuals who use substances or have a substance use disorder and on identifying and correcting instances of systemic stigma imbedded in organizations. Employing subject matter...
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Mental Health 101
The Centre for Addiction and Mental HealthKnowledge is power. This series of free online tutorials is a starting point for learning about mental health. You can come away with a greater understanding of the mental health concern you are interested in knowing more about. The tutorials can...
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29 Program(s)
The Gathering Place
The Gathering Place provides a safe, non-clinical, non-stigma space for clients who are stable in the diagnoses to attend on a weekly basis. The activities planned for each week vary, ranging from cooking low-cost, simple meals; what resources are...
Mental Health and Addictions Provincial Intake
Mental Health and Addictions Provincial Intake is the entry point for all requests for service through the provincial toll free number 1-855-922-1122 Monday to Friday and all week-day holidays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. as well as Tuesday and Thursday...
Access Wellness Nova Scotia
Access Wellness is a free single-session supportive counselling service for individuals (18 years and older), couples or families.
Sessions can be held over the phone, online with video, or in-person. People can speak with a qualified professional...
Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselling Association of Nova Scotia (NADACA)
NADACA programming is designed to deal with all aspects of substance abuse, i.e. alcohol abuse, illicit drug abuse, prescription drug abuse and solvent abuse. Our mandate is to provide accredited certified indigenous addictions prevention, education...
IWK Mental Health and Addictions Program
The IWK Mental Health and Addictions Program provides specialized care throughout the province for children and youth up until their 19th birthday within a patient and family...
The Marguerite Centre
The Marguerite Centre provides a holistic, women-centred approach to recovery from substance misuse and gambling addiction. We are an inclusive, safe, non-judgmental environment...
Eskasoni Mental Health
Eskasoni Mental Health Services (EMHS) provides a wide range of services to the Mi’kmaq people of Eskasoni, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. The Tui'kn Residential School Survivor Team...
Caregivers Nova Scotia
Caregivers Nova Scotia provides free programs, services, information, and advocacy for family and friend caregivers. We are dedicated to providing recognition and practical assistance to friends and family giving care.
Kids Help Phone
Kids Help Phone is Canada’s only 24/7, national support service. We offer professional counselling, information and referrals and volunteer-led, text-based support to young...
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous is an international fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem. There are no age or education requirements. Membership is open to anyone who...
Alateen
Alateen a part of the Al-Anon Family Groups, is a fellowship of young people (mostly teenagers) whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking whether they are in your...
Al-Anon
Al‑Anon is a mutual support program for people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking. By sharing common experiences and applying the Al-Anon principles...
211
211 is a free, confidential information and referral service that can connect you to thousands of programs and services offered by local community groups, nonprofits and government departments across Nova Scotia, 24/7.
Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services - Mental Health Programs and Services
Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS) is responsible for administering Non-Public Property (NPP) on behalf of the Chief of the Defence Staff and for delivering...
Veterans Affairs Canada Assistance Service
Veterans Affairs provide targeted services and benefits to improve well-being including support and services related to your physical and mental health and wellness.The VAC...
Health Psychology
Health Psychology offers psychological interventions for those with chronic and acute health conditions. The main focus is on the patient's mental and emotional reaction to an illness or their recovery from an illness.
Geriatric Psychiatry Acute Inpatient Unit
The Geriatric Psychiatry Acute Inpatient Unit is for individuals over the age of 65 with a new onset of mental illness or for individuals of any age with dementia and complicated medical and/or psychological symptoms.
Geriatric Psychiatry Outpatient Program
Seniors mental health services provide assessment, consultation and treatments to:
- seniors aged 65 and older for a new onset of mental health challenges
- individuals of any...
Driving While Impaired (DWI) Program/Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program (AIIP)
If your driver’s license has been suspended or revoked for a substance related offence, you are required by the Registry of Motor Vehicles to attend the DWI Program in order to...
School Mental Health (SchoolsPlus)
The school mental health clinicians provide individual and group therapy, mental health and addictions education for school staff and consultation services. Clinicians are on...
Nova Scotia Operational Stress Injury (OSI) Clinic
The Nova Scotia Operational Stress Injury Clinic (NSOSIC) belongs to a national network of OSI Clinics funded by Veterans Affairs Canada. The clinic provides mental health...
Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line
The Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line provides crisis intervention for children, youth and adults experiencing a mental health crisis or mental distress.
The...
Inpatient Mental Health Services
Inpatient mental health services are available for those who cannot be safely assessed, diagnosed and stabilized in the community.
First Nations Services
Mental Health clinicians work as part of the first nations health care team in several first nations communities. The Mental Health Clinician provides assessment, diagnosis and...
Crossroads Cape Breton
Located in Sydney, Crossroads Cape Breton offers a variety of outreach, housing and community supports. Through this program, people discover purpose, build skills and improve...
Community Support Service (Adults)
The Community Support Teams for Adults/Community Supports for Adults supports individuals living with persistent mental illness to develop and maintain a safe, satisfying quality...
Adult Community Mental Health and Addictions Services
Community Mental Health and Addictions includes a team of mental health and addictions professionals who provide services on an outpatient basis. The team provides assessment...
Child and Adolescent Services
Child and Adolescent Services/Child Youth and Family/Child and Adolescent Outpatient Clinical Services provide mental health and addiction services to children and youth (under...
Adolescent Outreach Services
Adolescent Outreach Services (AOS) is an expansion of the CaperBase model, which originated in Cape Breton. AOS focuses on providing:
- Brief and Early Intervention
- Screening
- Outreach
- Community Partnerships
The AOS model is set up for youth...
