Knocking down the walls of silence that keep people from talking about substance use is an important step towards addressing the overdose crisis in British Columbia. Recognizing that people who use drugs are real people helps to put a human face behind the numbers of so many preventable tragedies.
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Staying Safer This Fall
Moving into fall this year, you may be returning to class or headed to work. It’s exciting to see friends in a social way after so long – and it’s time to celebrate in the safest way possible. You're working hard for your weekend. If you or your friends use drugs, find ways to stay safer.
Get Involved
Build Trust, Save Lives. #StopOverdose
Get Informed
Overdose Awareness – Know the Risks & Signs
Get Help
Treatment & Support is Available
Featured Articles
Stay Safer as Overdose Deaths Increase
The illegal drug supply in B.C. is more toxic than ever and unpredictable. Learn life saving steps to stay safer if you or someone you know uses substances.
Supervised Consumption and Overdose Prevention Sites
Using drugs alone increases the risk of experiencing a fatal overdose. Supervised consumption and overdose prevention sites are keeping people safe and saving lives. Visit a site near you for free drug checking and other harm reduction services.
Where to Get a Naloxone Kit in B.C.?
Naloxone is a medication that can quickly reverse the effects of an overdose from opioids such as heroin, morphine, fentanyl, carfentanil, and codeine.
Safer, Prescribed Medications
Stopping your use of substances in an abrupt or immediate way can cause withdrawal symptoms. New guidance has been put in place to help people who use drugs or alcohol stay safer.
What Happens if You Mix Substances?
When used together, different substances can interact in unpredictable ways that can be dangerous. For example, mixing alcohol with opioids or other prescription medications can cause a person’s breathing and heart rate to slow, which can lead to overdose. Avoid mixing. Know your tolerance; test a small amount first, then go slowly.
Overdose Prevention and COVID-19
There are two public health crises happening at the same time in B.C.: the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing overdose crisis. Find supports and resources to help protect vulnerable people during this time.
Partnerships
The overdose crisis affects all of us. By working together, we can stop overdoses and save lives. Help spread the message. Learn how your organization or community agency can get involved.