Drugs, medicines, medications — whatever term is used to describe them, they are widely used and often misused in our communities. The misuse of drugs can cause people harm. One example is the current opioid overdose crisis. The upcoming legalization and regulation of cannabis is also a concern for the public’s health, especially when it comes to youth and their developing brains.
The health unit works to prevent drug misuse and to raise the awareness of its impact on our health and the health of our communities.
We:
- Participate in the Simcoe Muskoka regional opioid strategy.
- Engage with and train staff of designated agencies/services in the distribution of Naloxone kits.
- Collaborate with community and provincial partners on current drug-related issues, promoting a public health approach.
- Increase awareness and educate individuals, communities and partners on health issues related to drugs.
What Matters to Your Health
What is a drug?
Drugs can be prescribed by a doctor, bought over-the-counter or purchased on the street. Any drug can be misused in the following ways:
- Not taking it as prescribed
- Taking someone else’s medication
- Taking it with alcohol or other drugs
- Purchasing it on the street
Why do people use drugs?
People take drugs for a variety of reasons. Here are just a few of them:
- Illness/disease
- Physical pain
- Emotional pain
- Curiosity
- Socializing/to get “high”
- Stress/anxiety/depression
What can happen if drugs are misused?
Drug misuse can:
- Affect a person’s ability to do routine things, like decision-making, driving, walking and working.
- Cause dependency, which can lead to addiction, which can lead to taking measures to get more drugs.
- Lead to overdose, which can lead to death.
- Affect relationships, employment, and how much money you have.
- Can cause harm to physical and mental well-being.
For more information:
Call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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