The term “substance use” refers to the use of drugs or alcohol, and includes substances such as cigarettes, illegal drugs, prescription drugs, inhalants and solvents. A substance use problem occurs when using alcohol or other drugs causes harm to you or to others. Substance use problems can lead to addiction.
Anyone, at any age or any stage of their life can have a substance use problem. It is important to know that no matter how you are feeling, you are not alone. There is help out there. The links below contain useful information about a wide range of topics regarding substance use and its effects on yourself and the people around you.
Alcohol and Other Drug Use
Alcohol and other drug use becomes a problem when it causes harm to you or to others. Learn about symptoms, harm reduction strategies and how to get help.
- Alcohol use
- Alcohol and drug problems
- Alcohol and drug use in young people
- Harm reduction for families, caregivers and friends of people who use substances (HealthLinkBC File #102b)
- Understanding harm reduction: Substance use (HealthLink BC File #102a)
Drinking alcohol, taking drugs or prescription and over-the-counter medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding may harm your baby. Learn more about the risks of drinking alcohol or using drugs while pregnant.
- Alcohol and other drug use during pregnancy
- Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (HealthLinkBC File #38e)
- Pregnancy and alcohol use (HealthLinkBC File #38d)
Cannabis
Cannabis can be used for medical or non-medical purposes. Cannabis for non-medical use is legal in Canada as of October 17, 2018. Cannabis for medical purposes has been legal in Canada for several years. Learn how cannabis can impact the health of you and your family and find information about cannabis, safer use, regulations and more.
Overdose Awareness
Drug related overdoses are a serious concern in British Columbia. Learn what it means to be drug smart, the signs of an overdose, what you should do if someone is overdosing, and how naloxone can help reverse opioid overdose.
- Be drug smart
- Naloxone: Treating opioid overdose (HealthLinkBC File #118)
Who can I contact about substance use in British Columbia
Mental Health Crisis Line: 310-6789 (no area code)
Offers emotional support, information on appropriate referral options, and a wide range of support relating to mental health concerns.
Drug & Alcohol Information Referral Service: 1-800-663-1441 (BC) or 604 660-9382 (Vancouver)
Free, confidential information and referral services to British Columbians in need of support with any kind of substance use issue (alcohol or other drugs). Multilingual telephone assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
First Nations and Métis KUU-US Crisis Line: 1-800-588-8717
First Nations and Indigenous specific crisis line available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, toll-free from anywhere in British Columbia. Youth Line at 250-723-2040 or the Adult Line at 250-723-4050.