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Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Substances: Controlled and illegal

On this page

  1. Substance use and substance use disorder
  2. Reasons people may use drugs or other substances
  3. Types of drugs and substances
  4. What you can do
  5. Helping someone
  6. The law in Canada
  7. Resources

Substance use and substance use disorder

The term "substance use" refers to any substance that is taken to change the way the body and/or mind functions. For example: alcohol, Opioids (fentanyl, oxycodone, heroin), MDMA (Ecstasy), Methamphetamine and cannabis.

Substance use is when someone uses substances:

  • in a way they are not intended to be used
  • from illegal sources
  • more than the recommended dosage
  • that affects daily life, activities, and or relationships

Substance use disorder is when someone engages in regular, long-term drug use despite knowing the risks. The user may have a:

  • psychological dependence or
  • physical dependence and
  • experience withdrawal symptoms if they do not consume the drugs within a certain period of time.

When someone uses substances over a period of time, they may develop a tolerance because their body becomes used to the drugs or substances and it requires a higher dose to achieve the same effects. Most drugs and substances can be broken down into four categories:

  • stimulants (for example, cocaine, meth, speed, ritalin) are drugs that make users more hyper and alert.
  • depressants (for example, xanax, alcohol, paxil, valium) are drugs that cause the body and mind to slow down.
  • narcotic analgesics/opiates or opioids (for example, fentanyl, heroin, morphine, carfentanil) are powerful painkillers that quickly produce feelings of euphoria.
  • hallucinogens (for example, LSD, ecstasy, mescaline, magic mushrooms) are drugs that disrupt a person's perception of reality and cause them to imagine experiences and objects that seem real.

Reasons people may use drugs or other substances

People may use drugs or other substances for a variety of reasons, such as:

  • as a way to rebel - against parents, caregivers and/or authorities
  • mental illness - to self-manage symptoms of a mental illness (that has or has not yet been diagnosed by a medical professional)
  • relaxation or pleasure
  • curious about a drug's effect or an interest to experiment
  • to increase a sense of self-confidence
  • as a coping mechanism to manage stress or deal with problems and/or trauma
  • peer pressure or looking to belong to a certain group and/or peers/friends may be using drugs
  • boredom

Did you know?

Cannabis use that begins early in adolescence, that is frequent and that continues over time can lead to addiction. It is estimated that 1 in 11 cannabis users will develop a cannabis use disorder.

Resources

Types of drugs and substances

Examples of controlled and illegal drugs and substances include:

Resources

What you can do

If someone is asking you to try drugs or other substances, you can:

  • respond with humour
  • refer to a health issue that may worsen (such as asthma or bronchitis)
  • respond that friends don't make you do things you don't want to
  • make up an excuse that you need to go, or have something to do tomorrow

If you are really being pressured, focus on the things that are important to you. Ask yourself how this decision could impact your life (that is getting into the college or university or apprenticeship program you want, making the sports team you are trying out for, staying in the school band or other clubs, your relationships). Tell them that you would rather focus on those things than drugs.

It's tough to deal with the pressure to try drugs. If friends won't drop the issue, you may want to consider trying to find friends that have similar interests to your own and talking to someone who can provide support. For more tips on how to deal with the pressure to try drugs, visit Get help with substance use.

Helping someone

If you or someone you know needs support, get support by talking to a:

  • school guidance counsellor or youth worker
  • doctor or other health care professional
  • parent or other family member

Warning signs of an overdose

An overdose occurs when someone takes one or more drugs in a quantity or combination that exceeds what their body can handle. Overdose can happen with many types of drugs, including those used recreationally, bought over-the-counter, or prescribed. This includes everything from alcohol, to acetaminophen, to opioids. Overdoses can have serious consequences, including permanent brain injury or even death.

The warning signs for overdose depend on the type of drug consumed.

Stimulants (for example, cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA)

  • confusion
  • panicking
  • hallucination
  • extremely agitated, hostile or violent
  • chest pain
  • difficulty breathing
  • sweating
  • shaking or seizing
  • vomiting
  • in and out of consciousness

Depressants and opioids (for example, heroin, fentanyl, alcohol, GHB, morphine)

  • shallow or irregular breathing, or no breathing at all
  • dizziness or disorientation
  • cold or clammy skin
  • pupils extremely small
  • cannot be woken up or not moving
  • choking or coughing, gurgling, or snoring sounds
  • discoloration of lips and nails
  • slow heart rate or absence of a pulse

If you suspect someone is having an overdose, dial 9-1-1 immediately!

Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act

The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act is part of the Government's comprehensive approach to addressing the crisis. It will help encourage Canadians to save a life during an overdose situation.

The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection for people who experience or witness an overdose and dial 9-1-1 or their local emergency number for help.

The Act can protect you from:

  • charges for possession of a controlled substance (that is drugs) under section 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
  • breach of conditions regarding simple possession of controlled substances (that is drugs) in:
    • pre-trial release
    • probation orders
    • conditional sentences
    • parole

The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act applies to anyone seeking emergency support during an overdose, including the person experiencing an overdose. The Act protects the person who seeks help, whether they stay or leave from the overdose scene before help arrives. The Act also protects anyone else who is at the scene when help arrives.

The Act does not provide legal protection against more serious offences, such as:

  • outstanding warrants
  • production and trafficking of controlled substances
  • all other crimes not outlined within the Act

Save a life

Drug overdoses could happen with others around. Staying at the scene is important to help save the life of the person experiencing an overdose.

Witnesses should:

  • call for emergency help
  • be prepared by carrying naloxone to use if you suspect an opioid overdose
  • provide first aid, including rescue breathing (CPR), if necessary, until emergency help arrives
  • stay calm and reassure the person that help is on the way

Tell others about the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act.

The law in Canada

Legislation related to controlled substances is contained in the:

Canadian legislation has been developed in compliance with the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961 as amended by 1972 Protocol, and the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971. The international conventions and related articles and schedules can be found on the International Narcotics Control Board website.

Resources

Sources of support

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