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Drugs
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Drugs

Safer Substance Use

Safer substance use or preventing harms from substance use, also called harm reduction means helping people who use drugs to be as safe as possible. It doesn’t judge them or try to force them to stop.  Instead, it keeps people safer and healthier.  Harm Reduction is part of a broad approach to the drug crisis.

By offering sterile equipment and safe spaces, harm reduction helps stop the spread of diseases like HIV and Hepatitis B and C.  This also lowers healthcare costs because fewer people get sick.

Needle Syringe Programs

Resources including safer injection and smoking supplies and safe disposal options are provided free of charge at SMDHU offices and from many community partners across the region.

To find a needle exchange site or a disposal site near you visit OHRDP – Find Supplies.

Visit these helpful links for other resources:
  • Safer Smoking (crack and crystal meth)
  • Safer Injection
  • Found Needles Fact Sheet
  • If you have a needle stick injury from found used drug equipment, seek medical advice and learn more here:

    • Blood and Body Fluid Exposure Fact Sheet

    National Overdose Response Service Line (NORS)

    NORS is an overdose prevention hotline for Canadians, providing compassionate, confidential, and nonjudgmental support for people, whenever and wherever they use drugs.  If using drugs alone, call or text (Canada only) 1-888-688-6677 (NORS).

    Learn how you can help friends and family who use substances stay safe when using drugs by watching this video created by the Canadian Association of People Who Use Drugs (CAPUD):  How to Spot Someone so They Never Use Alone.

    Ontario Naloxone Program

    Naloxone is a medicine that can help reverse an opioid poisoning and is available free of charge to people who use drugs, their family and friends from the local health unit, community support services and pharmacies.

    Find Naloxone kits near you at:  Where to get a free naloxone kit.

    Learn how to use Naloxone by watching the video How to Use Naloxone.

    If you use drugs, what can you do to be as safe as possible?

    • Carry and know how to use Naloxone
    • Use drugs with a friend who can call for help and give you Naloxone if needed.
    • If using alone, call or text the NORS line at 1-888-688-6677
    • Start with a lower dose and increase slowly as needed.
    • Don’t mix substances, use only one substance at a time
    • If someone you are with experiences an overdose call 911.
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