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Alcohol & Substance Use

Did You Know?

There is a range, or spectrum, in how people use substances.

Drug and Alcohol Continuum

When making informed decisions about personal use of substances, it is important to know the facts.

People use different kinds of drugs, like caffeine, alcohol, and cannabis, for many reasons. Some use it to relax or feel good, while others may use it to cope with physical or mental stressors. Depending on the substance and how often someone uses, it may or may not lead to health problems.

Take some time to consider where you are on the spectrum of substance use continuum so that you can have the information you need to make informed decisions about your health.

Ask yourself, am I:

  • Not using substances and using medications as prescribed
  • In recovery and not using substance/s

Consider looking at these resources to support a healthy lifestyle and mental well-being.

  • Trying drugs or alcohol because you are curious
  • Feeling pressure to fit it
  • You may never use it again…

The lower-risk guidelines for cannabis and alcohol can be your guide to reduce health harms with personal use. Visit our substance tabs or our Drug Use and Harm Reduction section for more information. Consider looking at these resources that support a healthy lifestyle and mental well-being.

  • Using sometimes with friends, after school or work, or on the weekends

The lower-risk guidelines for cannabis and alcohol can be your guide to reduce health harms with personal use. Visit our substance tabs or our Drug Use and Harm Reduction section for more information. Consider looking at these resources that support a healthy lifestyle and mental well-being.

  • Using substances regularly
  • Experiencing difficulty in controlling your urge to use
  • Using more to get the same effect
  • Starting to impact your life negatively

The lower-risk guidelines for cannabis and alcohol can be your guide to reduce health harms with personal use. Visit our substance tabs or our Drug Use and Harm Reduction section for more information. Check out our Addiction Treatment Resource Map for supports in your community. Consider looking at these resources that support a healthy lifestyle and mental well-being.

  • Using regularly and often
  • Feeling out of control
  • Feeling angry, depressed, anxious
  • Feeling physically ill when you are not using
  • Always thinking about it
  • Life revolves around using

Check out our Addiction Treatment Resource Map for supports in your community. The lower-risk guidelines for cannabis and alcohol can be your guide to reduce health harms with personal use. Visit our substance tabs or our Drug Use and Harm Reduction section for more information. Consider looking at these resources that support a healthy lifestyle and mental well-being.