Substance Abuse Resources
Get substance abuse and addictions support
Struggling with substance use can feel isolating, but help is available. Find a list of trusted resources, treatment options, and support services to guide individuals and families toward recovery and safer, healthier choices.
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 to do if someone has overdosed
Take action quickly to help someone recover from an opioid overdose.
Shout their name and shake their shoulders
Check for their response—if they don’t react, treat it as an emergency.
Call 9-1-1
Stay on the line and follow the call taker's instructions until help arrives.
Give naloxone
One nasal spray or injection of naloxone into the arm or leg.
Give chest compressions
Push hard and fast in the centre of the chest.
Give another dose of naloxone
If there is no improvement after two to three minutes, give another dose of naloxone, and then 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
Place them on their side to help keep their airway clear and prevent choking.
