Safer Prescribing Options for Substance Use Disorder

silhouette of couple holding hands

There are medications available for you or your loved one that help prevent withdrawal, reduce exposure to COVID-19 and limit exposure to the toxic drug supply. The guidelines for safer prescribing during the dual public health emergencies provide greater access to these medications. The guidelines provide support for people at increased risk of overdose, and help prevent withdrawal, craving and other harms related to substance use. 

Talk to your doctor or health-care provider about reducing the need to purchase substances or experience withdrawal. Call 8-1-1 for information.

If you are interested in treatment options, there a number of resources available. Treatment for substance dependency works best when combined with other types of support, such as individual or group counselling. There is no such thing as a “one-size-fits-all” approach to treatment and recovery. Talk to your doctor or health-care provider about what wellness means to you, and what might be most helpful at this time. 

Find Mental Health and Substance use Services, Resources and Supports

Locations

Services

News & Events

New Care and Connection Kiosk

New Care and Connection Kiosks provide discreet life-saving harm reduction supplies 24/7

Island Health is introducing three Care and Connection Kiosks at hospitals in Campbell River, Nanaimo and Victoria offering community members an innovative way to access free, life-saving, harm reduction supplies and information about mental health and substance use services, supports and treatment.

Read more

Expressions of Interest call for Island Health  Resilience and Safety Grants

Expressions of Interest call for Island Health Resilience and Safety Grants

For the second year, Island Health is allocating up to $1 million for resilience and safety grants aimed at helping improve mental health, mitigate the harms associated with illicit substance use and build youth resilience. 

Read more

hand holding heart

Digital memory wall honours those lost due to toxic drug poisoning this International Overdose Awareness Day

This International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) August 31, Island Health is hosting a digital memory wall to honour those lost to a toxic drug poisoning. IOAD is the world's largest annual campaign to end overdose, and this online memorial encourages everyone to remember, without stigma, those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of family, friends and caregivers left behind. 

Read more