Alcohol Drugs and Addiction

If you or a loved one is in need of support for alcohol, drugs or other forms of addiction, please contact:

• Addiction Services for York Region
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Al-Anon/Alateen, Ontario South
• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
• Chinese Family Services of Ontario
• Drug and Alcohol Helpline
• Gamblers Anonymous
• Narcotics Anonymous
• Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline
• Ontario 211

Opioid Safety

Opioids are natural or synthetic substances, such as oxycodone, hydromorphone and fentanyl, that are used to reduce pain. These substances can be an effective part of pain management for some medically supervised patients, but if misused, they can also lead to addiction and overdose.

What is naloxone?

 Naloxone is a drug that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. Free naloxone kits are available across York Region through participating pharmacies and community organizations, such as: 

• Addiction Services for York Region: 1-800-263-2288
• Caritas School of Life: 1-800-201-8138
• Krasman Centre: 1-888-780-0724
• CAYR Community Centre: 905-884-0613
• Narcotics Anonymous: 1-877-939-3636
• LOFT Street Outreach Van: 1-866-553-4053 

What are signs of an opioid overdose?

• Inability to wake up, even when shaken or shouted at
• Slow, weak or no breathing
• Blue or purple lips or nails
• Very small pupils
• Cold and clammy skin
• Choking, gurgling or snoring sounds

What to do if someone has overdosed? 

• Shout their name and shake their shoulders
• Call 9-1-1
• Give naloxone - one nasal spray or injection into the arm or leg
• Give chest compressions
• If there is no improvement after two to three minutes, give another dose of naloxone and continue chest compressions
• If the person begins breathing on their own, or if you have to leave them alone, put them in the recovery position 

For more information about how you can get help for yourself or a loved one, visit york.ca/opioids.