Getting help and knowing your options

Different kinds of support

Options may include primary care, harm reduction services, counselling, peer support, medicines, withdrawal care, and residential or community treatment. Availability varies. A good starting point is asking which options match your goals and health needs.

Questions to bring

• “What support can I access if I am still using?”
• “Do I need medical help before cutting down?”
• “What does this cost, and is there a wait?”
• “What is confidential, and what are the limits?”
• “Can I bring a support person or request language or accessibility support?”

If the first service is not a fit

Ask for another referral or a different approach. You do not need to wait for the situation to become worse. For immediate danger, severe symptoms, or a suspected overdose, contact emergency services rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

Finding help in Canada

Health Canada’s “Get help with substance use” directory links to provincial and territorial services and other supports. Ask about age requirements, cost, accessibility, and confidentiality. Children and teens can ask a trusted adult to help them contact a service.

If you are helping someone

Offer to find a service or attend an appointment if that is what the person wants.

WARN (OTHERS)

After immediate care is covered, share dated advisories or observed concerns. Say what is confirmed and what is uncertain. Protect people’s privacy.

Emergency care comes first. Never share someone’s name, identifying photo or private health details.