Safety & Harm Reduction · 14 of 25

Understanding the risks before you decide

You deserve clear information before making a decision about alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs. Legal, familiar, or prescribed does not mean risk-free.

Immediate and longer-term risks

  • Impaired judgment and coordination can lead to falls, crashes, and other injuries.
  • Poisoning or overdose can happen, including when a substance is unfamiliar or mixed with something else.
  • Some substances can affect mood, memory, sleep, and mental health.
  • Repeated use can lead to dependence or a substance use disorder.
  • Alcohol increases the risk of several cancers and can damage organs.

Different ages and situations

Young people’s developing brains are especially vulnerable to substance-related harms. Older adults should ask a pharmacist about medication interactions and effects on balance or alertness. Health conditions, pregnancy, and other medicines can change the risks. A clinician can give advice for your situation.

A decision and a way to help

Choosing not to use avoids the risks from taking that substance. If you use prescribed medication, speak with the prescriber before changing it. If someone makes a different choice, you can respect their dignity, recognize danger, and call for help.

If you are helping someone

Explain risks without shaming, then offer to learn emergency response together.

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.

Learn more

For everyone across Canada. General education; individual care needs medical advice. For a medical emergency, call 911, keep yourself safe, and follow the dispatcher’s directions.

Free to share and print

Pass this guide to someone who wants to learn, or print a paper copy. Keep the instructions, source links and TRDP credit intact. Check the current page before reprinting.

Download this guide as plain text (.txt). To save a PDF, use “Print this guide” and choose your browser’s Save as PDF option.

Help make safety easier for everyone.

Was this resource useful? Honest feedback, including what didn’t work, helps TRDP improve. Safety information is always available whether you respond or skip.

Testing your own site?

This is a browser preference, not verified identity. New feedback sent here is marked as self-declared testing. It does not remove visits from native Sites Analytics or identify you on other devices.