Substance Use Health and Harm Reduction

Psychoactive substances – what are often called “drugs” - are a part of our society. Most Canadians will use substances at some point in their lives, for many different reasons. Sometimes, using substances can cause harm to people’s health and to families and communities.  Because many people experience harms related to alcohol, cannabis and other drugs, substance use issues are a public health concern.

The goal of public health is to prevent and minimize the harms that can come from using substances by:

• Creating awareness campaigns and programs designed to educate the public about substances and lower-risk use;
• Advocating for changes in policies in the interest of public health;
• Challenging stigma associated with substance use; and
• Promoting access to helping resources.

Most of our activities are done in partnership with other community, provincial, and national groups.

Visit the links below for more information:

• Alcohol  
• Cannabis
• Opioids
• Impaired driving
• Mental health
• Smoking, vaping and tobacco

Seeking help for substance use problems

If you are experiencing a mental health or substance-related crisis, call/text Call Crisis Response: (807) 346-8282 (Thunder Bay) or 1-866-888-8988 (in Thunder Bay District), call 911, or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.

To find services in your area:

• ConnexOntario @ 1-866-531-2600 - support for addictions, mental health and problem gambling
• Call 211 or visit 211North.ca  to find local community, health and government services

To access harm reduction services:

• Superior Points Harm Reduction Program
• Path 525 offers a safe place to consume drugs.
• Harm reduction supplies are also available at Path 525, Shelter House and Elevate.

To access addiction medicine:

• Rapid Access to Addiction Medicine Clinic (RAAM)
• (807) 626-8478
• Located at Norwest CHC, 525 Simpson St.

For help to quit smoking

• Quit smoking resources

Online supports:

• Wellness Together Canada: Mental Health and Substance Use Support
• Kids Help Phone: Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868 for confidential crisis support and counselling for youth up to age 20.
• Youthspace  - Online crisis and emotional support chat for youth up to age 30.
• SAMHSA’s Virtual Recovery Resources - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Visit COVID-19 Mental Health for more tips and resources. 

 

For Further Information

Call the Injury Prevention & Substance Use Program: (807) 625-5900

or toll-free 1-888-294-6630