Get Help with Substance Use
This page provides resources and information for people who need help with substance use, including addiction treatment, overdose prevention resources, and support services in Toronto and across Canada.
If you are in an emergency situation, call 9-1-1 or go to your local emergency department.
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About
Addiction affects millions of Canadians and their families. Finding the right support at the right time can make all the difference in recovery outcomes. This resource hub provides information on available services in Toronto and across Canada, including government programs, community resources, and specialized treatment options.
Whether you're seeking help for yourself or a loved one, the resources listed here can guide you toward appropriate support. Services range from crisis intervention and detox to comprehensive rehabilitation programs and ongoing recovery support.
Toronto Services
These services are available specifically for residents of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. They include a range of options from crisis support to comprehensive treatment programs.
| Resource | Information | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto Withdrawal Management System | Provides safe withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs. Services include assessment, referral, and medical monitoring. | 416-864-5040 |
| ConnexOntario | Free and confidential health services information for people experiencing problems with alcohol and drugs, mental health, and gambling. |
1-866-531-2600 Available 24/7 |
| Access CAMH | Central access point for mental health and addiction services at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. |
416-535-8501, option 2 Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5:00pm |
| Comprehensive Treatment Assessment | Get a personalized assessment and treatment plan from licensed healthcare professionals. Rapid admissions available. |
1-888-233-8568 Available 24/7 |
| Toronto Public Health - The Works | Harm reduction supplies, supervised consumption services, testing, and referrals to health and social services. | 416-392-0520 |
Need Immediate Help? Get Free Professional Consultation
Speak with a licensed addiction specialist who can provide immediate guidance and connect you with appropriate treatment options. Our confidential consultation service is available 24/7 at no cost.
Free consultation • Available 24/7 • Completely confidential
What to expect during your call:
- Confidential assessment of your situation
- Information about treatment options
- Insurance verification assistance
- Immediate support and crisis intervention if needed
- Connection to appropriate resources
Canada-wide Services
If you or someone you know needs help with substance use, including overdose prevention and tobacco cessation, these services are available to anyone, anywhere in Canada.
| Resource | Information | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Kids Help Phone | Professional counselling, information and referrals support to young people. 24/7 virtual services in English and French. |
1-800-668-6868 Text 686868 |
| Drug Rehab Services | Free, confidential professional help and resource for drug and alcohol addiction in Canada. Referrals for clients seeking support with substances. | 1-877-254-3348 |
| CAPSA Peer Support | Free peer-facilitated group meetings (includes virtual meetings). Evidence-based practices and tools designed to help those who are questioning their relationship with substances. | Find a meeting |
| Alcoholics Anonymous | Free meetings and support for people who come together to solve their drinking problem. | Find A.A. near you |
| Narcotics Anonymous | Free meetings (includes virtual) and support for anyone who wants to stop using drugs may become a member. This is a program of complete abstinence from all drugs. |
1-855-562-2262 Find a meeting |
Schedule a Free Online Consultation
Prefer to connect digitally? Schedule a private video consultation with one of our addiction specialists at a time that works for you.
📅 Book Free Online Consultation
Schedule a private video consultation with one of our addiction specialists at a time that works for you.
Our service is: Free • Confidential • Available to anyone seeking help • No commitment required
Programs for Indigenous Peoples
If you are a First Nation, Inuit or Métis person in need of help with substance use, you can access culturally sensitive resources:
| Resource | Information | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program | Help for First Nations and Inuit aimed at reducing high levels of alcohol, drug, and solvent use. Access to substance use treatments centres. |
List of treatment centres For information on community-based prevention programs, contact your community nursing station, health centre, band council or local regional office. |
| Hope for Wellness Help Line | Immediate help, including counselling and crisis intervention, to all Indigenous people across Canada 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in English, French, Cree, Ojibway, or Inuktitut. |
1-855-242-3310 Connect to the online chat |
| Thunderbird Wellness Application | Thunderbird Wellness is a free app that provides access to an Indigenous perspective on health and wellness, where culture forms the foundation. Find information to help with substance use, addiction or mental health issues. | Download the Thunderbird Wellness App for free from the Apple Store for iOS users or Google Play for Android users |
Have Questions? We're Here to Help
If you have specific questions about addiction resources, treatment options, or need guidance on the best path forward, our team is ready to provide personalized support and information.
When you email us, please include:
- Your general location (city or region)
- Type of help you're seeking
- Any specific concerns or questions
- Best way to contact you for follow-up
We typically respond within 2-4 hours during business days, or within 24 hours on weekends.
Harm Reduction Services
Harm reduction approaches aim to reduce negative consequences associated with substance use, whether or not a person is ready to stop using substances.
| Resource | Information | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| National Overdose Response Service (NORS) | Overdose prevention hotline for Canadians. Confidential, non-judgmental support for you, whenever and wherever you use drugs. | 1-888-688-NORS(6677) |
| Overdose Intervention App | Rapid response to an overdose emergency with resources and guidance that is suitable to a person's needs. 9-1-1 calling feature, techniques to identify a suspected overdose, steps to administer naloxone, and sequential guidance on emergency first aid response. | Get the app |
| Get naloxone | Take home naloxone kits are available through pharmacies. A prescription is not required. Ask the pharmacist. Some provinces offer free take-home naloxone kits. | Find a site |
| Supervised consumption sites and services | Safe, clean space for people to bring their own drugs to use, in the presence of trained staff to prevent accidental overdoses. Some offer a range of harm reduction services, such as drug checking. | Find a site or service |
Mental Health Support
There are many links between substance use and mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling with your mental health, help is available.
Need Someone to Talk to Right Now?
Our 24/7 support line connects you with compassionate professionals who understand the challenges of addiction and mental health concerns. All calls are confidential.
| Resource | Information | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Crisis Services Canada | Suicide prevention and support. Available to anyone thinking about or affected by suicide. |
1-833-456-4566 (24/7) Text 45645 (4pm-12am ET) |
| Wellness Together Canada | Free online mental health and substance use support, resources, and counselling with a mental health professional. |
1-866-585-0445 (24/7) Visit website |
| Mood Disorders Association of Ontario | Support and education for people throughout Ontario affected by depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. | 1-866-363-6663 |
| Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program | Specialized care for those experiencing both substance use disorders and mental health challenges. Evidence-based approach with integrated treatment. | Learn more |