Addiction/Substance Use Resources
The Lifeguard App
Over 90% of all overdoses occur when people use drugs alone, in their own spaces. Lifeguard App can save your life if you become unconscious or unable to function when using alone.
The app can be used anywhere there is data or WIFI.
This app is for everyone; whether it’s your first time, you hardly ever use drugs, or you use often.
Lifeguard App keeps you safe while protecting your privacy and keeping you anonymous - always!
Download it for FREE on your smartphone or tablet or go to get-lifeguard-app for more information!
Parent Like Us
The Unofficial Survival Guide to Parenting a Youth Person with a Substance Use Disorder - written by parents for parents
Check out the PDF here: Parents Like Us Handbook
Discovery Services
Discovery Youth and Family Substance Use Services offers free community-based counselling services, access to residential care and treatment for youth struggling with substance use. We assist youth and/or their families to reduce the harms associated with substance use and related issues.
Discovery’s services are available to anyone in the community directly or indirectly impacted by substance use. This includes:
Youth aged 13 to 19 who have concerns about alcohol or drug use
Families/Caregivers who are concerned about a youth using alcohol or drugs
Any support person who is worried about a youth’s use of alcohol or drugs
Youth who are affected by someone else’s use of alcohol or drugs
Call (250) 519-5313 or email discovery.southisland@viha.ca
Youth Empowerment Society - Specialized Youth Detox
Specialized Youth Detox (SYD) is a 5 bed voluntary non-medical withdrawal management program for all youth who want support with detoxification from alcohol and other drugs. The program offers short term residential service for youth ages 13-18. Referrals are accepted from anyone in the community, including youth themselves. The program offers youth the ability to stay up to 10 days (with the possibility of an extension) to detox and stabilize both physically and emotionally.
Call (250) 383-3514 or email syd@vyes.ca
Kelty Mental Health - Substance Abuse
People have used substances to change their mood, thoughts or behaviours for thousands of years. A wide range of substances are used without problems, from coffee in the morning to a glass of wine with dinner. Substances that people use may be legal (caffeine), legal but regulated (morphine) or illegal (heroin). Just because a child or youth is using substances doesn't mean they have a substance use problem, but it is important to talk to them if you are concerned.
Find out more at https://keltymentalhealth.ca/substance-use
HealthLink BC - Dealing with Teen Substance Abuse
Use of alcohol, cigarettes, inhalants, and other drugs in adolescents is a major concern for parents. Preteens and teens are starting to use harmful and illegal substances at younger ages. Drinking, smoking, and drug use can affect your child's general health. They can also affect physical growth, emotional development, and school performance. You can recognize and respond to substance use by:
Knowing the signs of substance use.
Discussing substance use with your teen.
Getting the right treatment if your teen has a substance use disorder.
Find out more at Health Link BC Teen Substance Use
Toward the Heart
Toward the Heart is a BCCDC created website about harm reduction. Check out https://towardtheheart.com/ for more information