Common myths about substance abuse and addictions

The figures are staggering—worldwide, over 76 million people have an alcohol use disorder, more than 15 million have drug use disorders and one-third over the age of 15 smoke tobacco. In Ontario alone, about 332,000 people have a gambling addiction. Despite the prevalence of these issues, knowing how to approach a friend or loved one about a substance abuse or addiction problem can be challenging.

Roberto Mazzei, Social Worker in the Outpatient Mental Health Program at The Scarborough Hospital, points out that it’s important to be aware of the common myths that surround substance abuse and addictions. These myths include:

• Addiction is a lifestyle choice.
• It’s easy to see the signs of addiction.
• Someone has to hit rock bottom before treatment will work.
• Drug and alcohol addiction happens to people in lower socio-economic classes.
• People with some addictions are able to stop their substance abuse after their first course of treatment.
• Addiction only affects the person addicted.

When discussing a substance abuse or addiction problem, Mazzei recommends not to argue or judge the individual and not to push for treatment. Instead, find out what they like about their behaviour and the benefits it provides them versus the costs.

Talking to your family doctor or someone you trust in the community can often be a good first step when seeking help for yourself or someone close to you.

The Ontario government also has resources for people and their families affected by substance abuse and addiction issues, including the Drug and Alcohol Helpline (1-800-565-8603), and the Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline (1-888-230-3505).

Know the risk factors and symptoms of ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer has been called ‘the cancer that whispers’ because of its vague symptoms and lack of effective screening. But more and more women and health care providers are speaking out about this ‘silent killer’.

“Unfortunately, only about 19 per cent of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed before the cancer has spread outside the ovaries,” says Dr. Orit Freedman, a Medical Oncologist at The Scarborough Hospital. “However, when ovarian cancer is found after it has spread, while it’s sometimes not curable, it is treatable.”

One of the most important parts of the treatment is the patient’s initial surgery. The Scarborough Hospital has partnered with Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre to have their surgical oncologists participate in ovarian cancer surgeries at TSH so that patients have the best outcomes possible.

Risk factors for ovarian cancer can include:

• Having a personal or family history of breast, ovarian or colon cancer
• Being post-menopausal
• Being obese
• Infertility and using fertility drugs.

Dr. Freedman encourages women to be aware of the following common symptoms that persist almost daily for two weeks or more:

• Bloating
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
• Urinary urgency or frequency.

In addition, other symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:

• Upset stomach
• Back pain
• Pain during sex
• Constipation
• Menstrual changes
• Unexplained changes in bowel habits
• Unexplained changes weight gain or loss
• Ongoing unusual fatigue.

“Talk to your family doctor about any concerns you may have about ovarian cancer and ways you can reduce your risk,” says Dr. Freedman.  “General information about ovarian cancer can also be found on the Ovarian Cancer Canada website at http://www.ovariancanada.org/.”

Would you recognize signs of mental illness?

If you or a loved one were experiencing symptoms of mental illness, would you know? Advertising and education have made awareness of the signs and symptoms of stroke and heart attack more top of mind than ever before, but mental illness can bring with it stigmas that make understanding and acceptance more difficult.

To help spread the word about the warning signs of mental illness, our own Mental Health staff at The Scarborough Hospital shared a list of common symptoms of mental illness, along with some suggestions for seeking the necessary help.

Symptoms:

Changes in a person’s thinking, mood and behaviour that cause distress may be a sign of mental illness, and while they may vary from person to person, common symptoms include:

• Feeling sad (depressed) for a long period of time
• Increased worry/anxiety
• Isolating yourself from friends and family
• Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed
• Hearing or seeing things that others cannot
• Difficulty coping with daily stressors
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Highs and lows in mood
• Difficulty focusing on tasks
• Eating or sleeping more or less than usual
• Crying spells
• Paranoia
• Not caring for self

Getting Help:

If you or a loved one need help, start with your family doctor. They can help you with your current issue and refer you to appropriate resources by giving you information on community agencies, or writing a referral for an outpatient hospital. If you do not have a family doctor, a walk-in clinic physician can also provide referrals.

When is it an emergency?

IMMEDIATE help is required if:

• You feel you may hurt yourself or other people
• You are afraid that someone else may hurt themselves or another person
• Someone you know is unable to take care of themselves but is refusing to seek help

Who to contact in an emergency:

- The Emergency Department of your nearest hospital
- The Mobile Crisis Program (24 hrs/day, 7 days/wk)

• Scarborough and East York 416.495.2891
• Downtown Toronto 416.929.5200
• North York and Etobicoke 416.498.0043

- Call 911 to dispatch the Mobile Crisis Intervention Team (MCIT)

Talking to your child about having surgery

Research shows that pre-operative teaching programs help children and families feel more comfortable on the day of surgery. Based on this research, the Child Life Specialists at The Scarborough Hospital have designed a pre-operative teaching program called “Hello Hospital”.

In “Hello Hospital”, the Child Life Specialists meet with children ages three to 13 and their families one to two weeks before their surgery to explain what to expect on their big day. Children and families tour the various departments they will see on their surgery day and have hands-on experience in each one. Parents are also prepared to accompany their child to the operating room where they will stay until their child is asleep. Special consideration is used when explaining the events of the day in developmentally- and age-appropriate language.

It is important that parents learn as much as possible about the surgery. If they feel comfortable and confident in what is happening with their child, then the child is more likely to feel the same.

One of the best things a parent can do for their child is to be honest, say Child Life Specialists Wanda Bowen, Michele Clark-Ward and Sue Regan. When children know what to expect, they are less anxious and have a greater sense of control over the situation. The Child Life Specialists believe, at the very least, all children should be told they are going to the hospital to have an operation.

Parents can also help by telling their child the people working in the hospital are there to help them. Parents should not make promises they may not be able to keep. For example, do not tell the child there will be no pain. Children may have different amounts of pain or discomfort following surgery.

Here are some other suggestions to use when preparing your child for surgery:

1. Play “hospital” using a doctor’s kit or pretend medical equipment.
2. Read a book together about the surgery (see the recommended book list below).
3. Ask your child what comfort item they would like to bring from home: a favourite doll or teddy bear.
4. Use simple explanations that your child can understand.
5. Let your child know you will stay with them as much as possible.
6. Ask your child to draw a picture about going to the hospital.
7. Have your child help with packing the bag they will bring to the hospital.

Remember, your child will need all of your love, attention and support. Also, it is best to leave siblings at home on the day of surgery.

Tips for Parents – Common Questions to Ask:

1. How long will the operation take?
2. How will I know when the operation is over?
3. Where will my child be when I first see him/her?
4. How long do I have to wait before I can see my child?
5. How long will my child have to stay in the hospital?
6. Can I stay with my child if they need to sleep over?
7. How long do I have to wait before my child can eat or play?

Recommended Books:

1. Tubes in My Ears: My Trip to the Hospital, by Virginia Dooley and Miriam Katin (6-10 years)
2. Clifford Visits the Hospital, by Norman Bridwell (2-7 years)
3. Going to the Hospital, by Anne Civardi, Michelle Bates and Stephen Cartwright
4. A Visit to the Sesame Street Hospital, by Deborah Hautizig, Dan Elliott and Joseph Mathieu (2-3 years)
5. Franklin Goes to the Hospital, by Paulette Bourgeois and Brenda Clark (3-7 years)
6. Curious George Goes to the Hospital, by Margaret and H.A. Rey