Text adapted in 2021 from The Fundamentals of Addiction in The Primary Care Addiction Toolkit (online only). A complete list of Toolkit authors, editors and contributors is available here.
For professionals
Addiction organizations
Canada
- Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine: National organization of medical professionals and scientists in the substance use disorders field that hosts a conference every year, including a "Fundamentals Day" for people who want to learn about addiction medicine.
- Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse: An organization that addresses issues related to substance use that affect the health and safety of Canadians.
- Alcohol Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral: A clinical guide developed by the College of Family Physicians of Canada and the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse for family physicians, nurse practitioners and other health care professionals. The site provides evidence-informed guidance and resources to support clinicians in helping patients manage their alcohol consumption.
United States
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Provides downloadable publications on various topics, including addiction science, medical consequences of substance use, trends and statistics and the link between drugs and HIV/AIDS.
- Substance and Mental Health Services Administration: Department of Health and Human Services agency that leads public health efforts to advance behavioural health. Publications cover a range of substance use and mental health topics and most are available as free downloads.
- American Society of Addiction Medicine: A professional association of clinicians and associated professionals in the addiction medicine field. ASAM aims to increase access to and the quality of substance use treatment, educate physicians and the public, support research and prevention, and promote the role of physicians in the care of patients with substance use disorders.
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: Supports and conducts research on the impact of alcohol use on health and well-being. It is the largest funder of alcohol research in the world. The site offers clinical resources and information about alcohol use.
Handbooks and guides
The following publications are produced by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).
- Fundamentals of Addiction: A Practical Guide for Counsellors: A comprehensive guide that covers a range of counselling issues and provides practical guidance for meeting the needs of a diverse client population.
- Substance Use, Concurrent Disorders and Gambling Problems in Ontario: A Guide for Helping Professionals: A valuable resource for health and social service providers who are not specialists in substance use or mental health issues, but who would like to talk about these issues with clients.
For patients and families
Brochures and guides
- Do You Know . . . Alcohol, Other Drugs and Driving: Information from CAMH for the general public about the effects of alcohol and other drugs on driving.
- Addiction: An Information Guide: This easy-to-read CAMH guide is for people with alcohol and other drug use problems and their families. It describes substance use treatment options, how people change, recovery and relapse prevention. It also includes sections on help for partners and families and explaining substance use disorders to children.
Mutual aid and other treatment resources
The Sunshine Coast Health Centre maintains a comprehensive listing of government-funded and private alcohol and drug treatment programs and services located in Canada.
In Ontario, the Drug & Alcohol Helpline provides free, confidential and anonymous information about alcohol and other treatment services, 24 hours a day. Call 1 800 565-8603 or search online.
In Fundamentals of Addiction:
- Defining Addiction
- Key Concepts in Addiction
- Implications for Clinical Practice
- Screening
- Drinking & Driving
- Identifying Concurrent Disorders (Co-occurring Substance Use and Mental Health Problems)
- Treating Addiction
- Treating Concurrent Disorders
- Motivation and change
- Resources