A Continuum

Substances include unregulated substances or regulated substances such as alcohol, cannabis, nicotine, prescription medications, etc.

Substance use occurs along a continuum ranging from no use to experiencing a substance use disorder. A continuum is not meant to diagnose substance use as problematic. A continuum is a tool to help a person reflect upon and communicate how they view their substance use. Various interpretations of a continuum have been developed:

• Health Canada
• Community Addictions Peer Support Association
• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
• Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction
• School Mental Health Ontario
• Alberta Health Services