Find the information you’re looking for in CAMH’s Mental Illness and Addiction Index:
Mental Illness & Addiction Index
Get informed with clear, reliable information about mental illness and addiction, including treatment and recovery.
Addiction
Addiction refers to the problematic use of a substance. The harms of substance use can range from mild (e.g., feeling hungover, being late for work) to severe (e.g., homelessness, disease). Treatment options for addiction include self-help, counselling, medications and withdrawal management.
About AddictionAlcohol
Alcohol is a depressant drug that can slow down the parts of the brain that affect thinking, behaviour, breathing and heart rate.
About AlcoholAlzheimer's Disease or Dementia
Dementia is abnormal brain degeneration that leads to changes in a person’s ability to think, speak, socialize and take part in daily activities.
About Alzheimer's Disease or DementiaAmphetamines
Amphetamines are stimulant drugs that speed up the central nervous system. These drugs can cause addiction if they are misused.
About AmphetaminesAnti-anxiety Medications (Benzodiazepines)
Anti-anxiety medications help reduce the symptoms of anxiety, such as panic attacks or extreme fear and worry. The most common anti-anxiety medications are called benzodiazepines.
About Anti-anxiety Medications (Benzodiazepines)Antidepressant Medications
Antidepressant medications are most commonly used to help relieve the distress of depression or anxiety.
About Antidepressant MedicationsAntipsychotic Medications
Antipsychotic medications can reduce or relieve symptoms of psychosis, such as delusions (false beliefs) and hallucinations (seeing or hearing something that is not there).
About Antipsychotic MedicationsAnxiety Disorders
Anxiety is cause for concern when symptoms are persistent and severe and cause distress to the person’s daily life.
About Anxiety DisordersAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder affects attention span and concentration and can also affect how impulsive and active the person is.
About Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a medical condition characterized by extreme mood swings that affect how people think, behave and function.
About Bipolar Disorder