In this recorded webinar, we discuss ways to share power and partner with people who use drugs to affect change and ameliorate the impact of the poisoning epidemic. People who use drugs (PWUD) are central to BC’s response to the poisoning epidemic. Some are first responders, witnessing drug use among their peers and administering life-saving […]Continue readingA Person-Centered Approach to BC’s Overdose-Poisoning Epidemic
Alcohol and Other Drugs
People use alcohol and other drugs for many different reasons, and how drugs and alcohol impact someone’s life depend on many different factors. In some cases, drug and alcohol use may cause few harms, or even be beneficial. For others, it may be more harmful. In this section, learn how you can make healthier, less harmful choices when you choose to use alcohol or other drugs.
Depression, Anxiety, Alcohol and Other Drugs
We all use substances, many of which affect our mood. Many people can use substances in moderation (whether legal or illegal), without experiencing problems. What we need to remember is that all substances have effects; some have greater risks.Continue readingDepression, Anxiety, Alcohol and Other Drugs
Evaluating Mental Health and Substance Use Information
With all of the information coming at us these days, it can be hard to filter out what is good information and what information isn’t so good. With all of the information out there, how do you know what information you can trust?Continue readingEvaluating Mental Health and Substance Use Information
Making Healthier Choices about Substance Use
Whenever we choose to use substances, it is helpful to know what steps we can take to ensure that our use is the least harmful possible. These resources provide tips for making healthier choices about substance use, and where to go for more support.Continue readingMaking Healthier Choices about Substance Use
More Than the Substance
People have been using tobacco, alcohol, cannabis and other drugs for years. Substance use is complex and has the potential to both help or harm. Everyone’s relationship with substances is unique and individual. > Do you ever think about your relationship with substances? > Do you ever question your attitudes and actions related to substances? […]Continue readingMore Than the Substance
Need Help Now?
Our substance use can impact our mental health. We may also use substances to cope with how we are feeling. If you need someone to talk to, help is available. Kuu-us Aboriginal Crisis Line: Call toll free 1-888-588-8717 BC Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789 (no area code required, local volunteers) YouthinBC.com: Online chat service for […]Continue readingNeed Help Now?
Not Using Substances, but Curious?
Hearing from others who have lived experience using substances can give us an understanding of what can contribute to substance use, what the recovery journey can look like and can also validate our experience based on what others have been through. I’m Riding This Thing, It’s Not Riding Me is one young person’s story of […]Continue readingNot Using Substances, but Curious?
Psychosis
Psychosis is often described as a “loss of reality” or a “break from reality” because it makes you experience or believe things that aren’t real. Psychosis is a serious and disabling mental health condition—but it is treatable and many people recover after only one episode when they get proper treatment.Continue readingPsychosis
Services & Supports
If you are looking for services and supports, help is available throughout the province of British Columbia. Learn about the resources available below. Alcohol and Drug Information & Referral Service – 1-800-663-1441. Free 24/7 confidential multilingual information and referral to community resources. Information about detox, counselling, treatment, recovery, and support groups. First Nations Health Authority: […]Continue readingServices & Supports
Substance Use and Addiction
Use of substances like alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs is more complicated than just “good” or “bad.” It’s helpful to think of substance use along a continuum, from beneficial use to harmful use.Continue readingSubstance Use and Addiction