Getting Help When You Need It

If using alcohol is causing problems in your life, you may need to rethink how much you are using. 

ConnexOntario www.connexontario.ca

Drug and Alcohol Registry of Treatment (DART) 1-800-565-8603

Provides information and referral to alcohol and drug treatment services in Ontario.

The Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline (OPGH) 1-888-230-3505

Information and referral service with interpretation available in more than 140 languages.

Mental Health Service Information (MHSIO) 1-866-531-2600

Provides comprehensive information about mental health services and supports across Ontario.

Addiction and Mental Health Services of Simcoe Muskoka

About Alcoholics Anonymous – find an AA meeting in your area, online options are available.

Barrie AA Intergroup
Phone: (705)725-8682
Note: meetings for Barrie, Base Borden, Stroud, Tottenham.

Eastern Georgian Bay District 7 Area 86
Phone: (705)646-2491 (Bracebridge)
Phone: (705)526-3305 (Midland)
Phone: (705)325-6385 (Orillia)
Note: meetings for Bala, Beaverton, Bracebridge, Coldwater, Elmvale, Gravenhurst, Midland, Milford Bay, Orillia, Penetanguishene, Port Carling, Port McNichol, Rama Reserve, Victoria Harbour, Washago.

AA Huntsville/Parry Sound District 17
Huntsville: (705) 789-8992
Parry Sound: (705) 746-2464 

MOTHERISK – The Alcohol and Substance Use Helpline - 1-877-327-4636
offers information and counseling to pregnant and breastfeeding women, their families, and health care providers.  Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Do you have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)?

Employees and their household members may use EAP’s to help manage issues that could adversely impact their work and personal lives. EAP counselors typically provide assessment, support, and if needed, referrals to additional resources. These programs are becoming increasingly more common in today's worksites. The issues for which EAP’s provide support vary, but examples include

An EAP's services are usually free to the employee or household member. 

Confidentiality is maintained in accordance with privacy laws and professional ethical standards.

Do you have a friend or family member with a problem?

Family Mental Health Initiative Simcoe County

www.fmhi.ca or Contact 705-725-0363 or 1-800-324-3252 for support

Be a good friend – Talk to that person about their drinking, let them know you are concerned.  Some things you could try are:

• Talk about the problems his or her drinking is causing
• Make clear what behaviour you will not accept
• Make clear what action you will take if it still happens. Don't make idle threats.
• Help the person to be realistic. Don't encourage promises they can't keep.

These things may not actually stop the person drinking but may prompt a change in their behaviour. They need to take responsibility for their drinking.

(ALAC http://www.alac.org.nz/afriendorfamilymember.aspx)

For some examples of how you might have a conversation with your family or friend taken from a campaign in New Zealand.  Ease up on the drinking