In Simcoe Muskoka, both legal (regulated) and illegal (unregulated) drugs are used by people in all kinds of situations. Some use drugs to manage pain or illness. Others may use them for emotional reasons, or to relax and fit in. But no matter the reason, some drugs can be harmful—especially when they’re not used properly.
The local unregulated drug supply has become more dangerous in recent years. Some street drugs are mixed with powerful substances like Fentanyl, which can lead to drug poisoning and even death. That’s why the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit works with the community to reduce these harms.
WHERE TO GET HELP
If in crisis, please call:
- CMHA Simcoe County Crisis Service: 705-728-5044 or toll free 1-888-893-8333
- York Support Services Network Crisis Line (South Simcoe): 1-855-310-COPE (2673)
- Muskoka Parry Sound: 1-800-461-5424
For help for yourself or someone else in your life coping with substance use, visit CONNEX Ontario.
If you are a parent looking for support over concerns with your child, information is available at Drug Free Kids Canada – Parent Support Hub and Substance Use Prevention-Talk with your Kids.
If you are looking for Naloxone, visit Ontario Take-Home Naloxone Programs | ontario.ca.
Other Helpful Resources
Canadian Mental Health Association
Withdrawal Management
Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinics
If you are a person who uses drugs
The National Overdose Response Services (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).
If you have family or friends who use drugs, learn how you can help them stay safe by watching this video created by the Canadian Association of People Who Use Drugs (CAPUD): How to Spot Someone so They Never Use Alone.
Continuum of Substance Use
Substance use can look very different for different people and may change over time. Some people don't use any substances at all, while others might try them out or use them regularly. These choices are part of what's called the substance use continuum. It's important to know that while some types of use can be riskier than others, not using substances is the only way to avoid all risk.
Safer Substance Use
Safer substance use or harm reduction means helping people who use drugs in a kind and respectful way. It doesn’t judge them or try to force them to stop. Instead, it keeps people safer and healthier 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.
Resources as well as safer injection and smoking supplies and safe disposal options are provided free of charge at SMDHU offices and from many community partners throughout the region.
To find a needle exchange site or a disposal site near you visit OHRDP – Find Supplies.
Visit these links for other helpful resources:
