Defining Addiction

Addiction is a chronic brain disorder and is considered a disease. It is not a sign of weakness nor is it a moral failing. Addiction is an illness.

This is important to note within the context of a workplace because an employee with a disease (including a mental disorder) is entitled to a workplace accommodation should they need one; an employer has a legal duty to accommodate.

Addiction is also used to explain the feelings of withdrawal when a behaviour is stopped. However, enjoying an activity or experiencing withdrawal when you stop that activity (ie: shopping, drinking coffee, smoking or drinking alcohol) does not necessarily mean that you are addicted to that activity.

According to Canada’s CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health), addiction requires the presence of the Four Cs:

• Craving.
• Loss of Control with respect to amount or frequency of use.
• Compulsion to use.
• Use despite Consequences.

Facts About Addiction

Substances with addictive potential stimulate the release of dopamine, a chemical in the brain associated with reward and pleasure. This “good feeling” makes people want to consume more. Some individuals may be trying to avoid difficult feelings. Here are some additional facts about addiction:

Approximately 67,000 deaths per year are attributable to substance use in Canada. This includes:¹ Over 47,000 deaths attributable to tobacco. Nearly 15,000 deaths attributable to alcohol.

• Nearly 15,000 deaths attributable to alcohol.
• Alcohol is the most used addictive substance, with about 76% of Canadians consuming it.²
• Approximately 4% of Canadians use one or more types of drugs.³
• In 2022 alone, there were 7,328 deaths from opioid overdoses in Canada (2,342 of which occurred in British Columbia).⁴
• More than 50% of people with substance use disorders have also had other mental health problems at some point during their lifetime.⁵

Types of Addiction

There are two main categories of addiction:⁶

• Substance Addictions (Substance Use Disorders).
• Non-Substance Addictions (Behavioural Addictions).

Substance Use Disorders (SUD)

Substances are drugs (both legal and illegal) that have the potential for addiction. SUDs may be mild, moderate or severe, with addiction being the most severe case. Examples of substances that may lead to SUD include:⁷

• Alcohol, cigarettes and e-cigarettes.
• Cannabis, hallucinogens, hypnotics, sedatives/sleeping aids and anti-anxiety medications.
• Inhalants such as paint thinner, gasoline, aerosol sprays and nitrates.
• Prescription and non-prescription opioids such as codeine, oxycodone and heroin.

Non-Substance Addictions

Just as addictive substances activate our “feel good” centre (the brain’s reward system), so too can certain behaviours. A behavioural addiction is one that becomes all-consuming and can include the following examples:⁸

• Gambling, online gaming or shopping.
• Using the internet (scrolling social media apps).
• Eating, exercising or dieting.
• Having sex or watching pornography.

What to Watch Out For in the Workplace

Here are some indicators that an employee may be experiencing an addiction:⁹

• Chronic lateness or increased absences.
• Declining personal appearance or hygiene.
• Isolating themselves from coworkers, changes in mood or behaviour.
• Increases in unethical or illegal behaviours such as clocking in late, leaving early, theft or other financial crimes.

If you, a colleague, or an employee are experiencing a mental health challenge, contact a health care professional to receive a diagnosis and create a treatment plan.Learn more about Unconscious Bias and Mental Health
Learn more about How to Support an Employee with Mental Illness
Learn more about Workplace Accommodations