National Addictions Awareness Week: Tips for the Defence Team for coping with stress and anxiety when substance use is a concern during COVID-19

November 17, 2020 - Defence Stories

National Addictions Awareness Week, led by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA), takes place from November 22 to 28, 2020. This year’s theme is Change Begins with Me which puts the focus on the efforts and actions of individuals. It’s about making a choice to play a part in reducing the stigma surrounding substance use and people who use substances and committing to one change.

According to the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA), individuals experience the following when stressed or anxious: fear or constant worry, anger or being easily irritated, difficulty sleeping, difficulty concentrating, struggling with decisions, and/or consuming alcohol, cannabis, or other substances more than usual.

Alcohol is one of the most commonly used drugs. According to the CCSA, 1 in 5 Canadians who drink alcohol have reported drinking more since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals who use drugs or have a substance use disorder have also been identified as having greater risks related to COVID-19 including risk of infection for those with underlying health conditions, withdrawal risks for those who must self-isolate or quarantine related to illegal drug supply, and increased risk of overdose due to using alone.

Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines provides support for individuals in making informed choices about alcohol consumption, while reducing the short and long-term health risks. Knowing Your Limits with Alcohol provides further information and direction for anyone who may be thinking of changing their alcohol use to a lower-risk level.

The CCSA has developed a collection of regularly updated resources regarding the impacts of COVID-19 on substance use. In addition, the CCSA also has several tips on how to cope with stress and anxiety when substance use is a concern:

• Be kind to yourself. We are living through a unique and stressful time and everyone is learning how to manage in their own way.
• Find balance. Know when to take a break and set boundaries for yourself. Develop a realistic routine.
• Take care of your body. Sleep and eat well, stay active, make time for activities you enjoy.
• Stay connected. Communicate with friends and family while respecting physical distancing measures.
• Reach out for help. Seek support from friends, family and/or professional services.

Get in touch with us!

Reach out to the EAP Corporate Office, the Mental Health and Well-being Corporate Office, or the Office of Disability Management.

Subscribe to the EAP distribution list to stay informed on mental health and wellness topics that matter to you, special events, and much more!

How can I access help?

Defence Team members have access to:

• Health Canada - Employee Assistance Services (EAS) provides short-term professional counselling services. This service is available 24/7, 365 days a year, by calling 1-800-268-7708 or 1-800-567-5803 (TTY).
• Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program (CFMAP) - Members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), veterans, and their families can access free, confidential counseling, 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-268-7708 or TDD 1-800-567-5803 (TTY).
• LifeSpeak—a web-based service that offers free confidential access to hundreds of short videos by experts on everyday issues.

DND Civilian employees have access to:

• EAP Peer Advisors (PAs) - DND civilian employees provide confidential active-listening skills and resources to employees in need. Call HR Connect at 1-833-747-6363 to be connected with a readily available colleague from 0800-1600 hours Mon to Friday. You will be contacted within 24 hours.
• The Office of Disability Management was created to be an impartial, collaborative and inclusive group that supports employees and supervisors/managers dealing with disability-related matter due to illness, impairment and injury.
• The Mental Health and Well-being  Corporate Office supports the health and well-being of employees and provides access to tools, resources and services to assist organizations in building a safe, supportive and respectful work environment.

CAF Members and their families have access to:

• The Family Information Line (FIL) - FIL counsellors are available to handle calls in confidence 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To speak with a FIL counsellor, call 1-800-866-4546 (toll-free in North America) or 1-613-995-5234 (collect calls accepted).
• Military Family Resource Centres (MFRCs)  - CAF members and their families have access to dedicated, frontline service providers, responsible for connecting military families to a wide range of programs and services.
• Crisis Texting Service for Kids of CAF Families - Children, youth and young adults from military families can access free mental health and wellbeing support by texting the keyword CAFKIDS at 686868 for service in English. For service in French, text the keyword JEUNESFAC at 686868.

Related Resources

• Addiction Treatment Programs
• Healthy coping strategies to counter unhealthy substance use during COVID-19
• Butt Out Tobacco Cessation Program
• DAOD 5019-1, Canadian Forces Drug Control Program
• Defence Team COVID-19 Health and Wellness Page Resources
• Mental health in the CAF
• CAF Connection
• Strengthening the Forces Health Promotion Program