Types of Substance Use
Understanding what substances are, and how they can affect you, can help you stay mindful of your use. Most importantly, it can help you avoid harm.
There are many types of substances. Some examples include:
- Caffeine: Many people enjoy coffee or caffeinated beverages. Like any substance, having too much can cause harmful side effects.
- Tobacco: Smoking tobacco was once common, but there has been a steady decline in smoking in Canada. If you smoke, know about the health risks.
- Alcohol: Alcohol can be part of daily life, culture, and tradition. If drinking affects your health, relationships or daily activities, you may want to change how you drink. Dependency on alcohol is when you physically or emotionally need alcohol to get you through your day. There are tips and guidelines to help you drink alcohol in a safer way.
- Cannabis: Also known as marijuana, pot or weed, cannabis has been legal in Canada since 2018. Cannabis may be used for medical or non-medical purposes. Some people do experience harms from cannabis, which can include struggling with a cannabis use disorder or other challenges.
- Medications: Some drugs are used to treat a range of health conditions. Taking medication in ways other than how it’s prescribed, or against recommendations, can be dangerous. Work with a doctor or pharmacist and learn how to safely store medications at home.
- Illegal drugs: Also know as “illicit” or “street” drugs, including methamphetamines, cocaine, heroin, and club drugs (ecstasy, date rape drugs, and inhalants).
Toxic illegal drug supply
In BC, the illegal drug supply is extremely toxic and contaminated. A devastating number of people are losing their lives to overdose every month.
Fentanyl is an opioid that is stronger and more toxic than many other opioids. Fentanyl can be prescribed for chronic pain, but illicitly produced fentanyl has been responsible for a devastating number of lives lost since 2016.
If you use drugs, there are steps to stay safer and safe spaces you can use to reduce your risk of overdose. If you suspect an overdose, call 9-1-1 right away.
Resources
Showing 5 Resources
Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service
Provides a free, confidential phone service for people throughout BC needing help with any kind of substance use concern. Offers information and referral to education and prevention resources, support groups, and a full range of counselling and treatment services. Not a clinical service.
First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day
Free access to primary and mental health care closer to home for First Nations people who have limited or no access to doctors.
Lifeguard App
Provides a free phone app that brings emergency responders to people who may be having an overdose on drugs while alone. Provided in partnership with regional health authorities and Lifeguard Digital Health.
The app is activated by the user before they take their dose. If the user doesn't hit a button after a set amount of time, a text-to-voice call will go to 9-1-1, alerting emergency medical dispatchers of a possible overdose.
Overdose Prevention Sites Listings (Toward the Heart)
Locations where people can safely use drugs under supervision of staff trained in emergency response. Services are free.
Naloxone Information and Support
Learn how to use naloxone to help stop an overdose and save lives. Pick up a free naloxone kit at a location near you.