Shine the Light on Substance Use Disorders Presented by Student Alliance for Mental Health

Land Acknowledgment SAMH acknowledges that our events, meetings, activities and campus exist on unceded and unsurrendered Algonquin territory.

Accessibility This room and nearby facilities are physically accessible. The closest gender neutral washroom is in 426 UC (Near the GSRC) ASL interpretation will be provided. If you require other accommodations in order to access a SAMH event, please contact us at in order to arrange them.

Peer Support Located near the entrance, there will be one or two students designated as the event’s peer support workers. We ask that if you need to leave the room during any of the presentations to go to the bathroom, answer your phone, etc. that you give them a thumbs up so they know you’re ok. Otherwise, they will follow up with you in case you need support.

Progressive Space SAMH strives to provide educational opportunities for members of the Carleton community while balancing the rights of individuals who may be personally affected by some of our topics discussed While this is an academic environment that encourages individuals to share their thoughts and challenge each other’s views, we ask that individuals also be mindful of how their words and actions may affect others No form of discrimination will be tolerated

Who Are We? SAMH strives to engage students in the discussion around mental health and illness. We recognize the many intersections of mental health, and how this contributes to stigma and creates barriers for many individuals. SAMH advocates for the improvement of services and accessibility for all students on campus by ensuring the student voice is represented and heard.

What Do We Do? Host guest speakers on a variety of mental health topics Hold fundraisers, galas and workshops Offer volunteer opportunities Connect students to resources on and off campus Through our Student Mental Health Advocacy Council (SMHAC), advocate for increased accessibility to mental health services and improved policies and programs to support student mental health at a systemic level

Substance Use Disorder: Diagnostic Criteria According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), at least two of the following 11 criteria must be met over a 12-month period: 1. Recurrent use leading to failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school or home 2. Recurrent use in situations where physically hazardous

Substance Use Disorder: Diagnostic Criteria 3. Continued use despite social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by effects of substance 4. Tolerance: The need for markedly increased amounts of substance to achieve intoxication A markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount

Substance Use Disorder: Diagnostic Criteria 5. Withdrawal: Characteristic withdrawal syndrome When a same (or closely related) substance is taken to alleviate or avoid withdrawal 6. Extended/excessive use: substance is taken in greater amounts and for longer periods of time than intended

Substance Use Disorder: Diagnostic Criteria 7. Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to control or cut down 8. Preoccupation: a great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance or recover from the effects

Substance Use Disorder: Diagnostic Criteria 9. Diminished role functioning: important social, occupational or recreational activities given up or reduced 10. Continued use in spite of consequences 11. Craving or strong desire or urge to use a specific substance

Statistics According to the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey, 4.4% of individuals over the age 15 met the criteria for a substance use disorder within the past year 3.2% met the criteria for an alcohol use disorder 1.3% met the criteria for a cannabis use disorder 0.7% met the criteria for other drugs

Intersectionality Due to intersections of marginalization, these are some groups who experience higher rates of substance use disorders: Queer and trans folks Indigenous communities People of colour Individuals who are homeless/live in poverty Individuals with a mental illness or (dis)ability

Carleton University Campus Resources Health and Counseling Services: (613) Paul Menton Centre for Students with Disabilities: (613) Residence Counselling: (613) ext. 8061

Ottawa Community Resources Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (ccsa.ca) – Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (camh.ca) – Centretown Community Health Centre (centretownchc.org) – For a more complete list of resources, visit champlainhealthline.ca

Ottawa Community Resources Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre (davesmithcentre.org) – The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre – Substance Use and Concurrent Disorders Program (theroyal.ca) – For a more complete list of resources, visit champlainhealthline.ca