Content Map Terms

Substance use supports and resources

Last updated: September 19, 2024

Services are available in British Columbia for people experiencing substance use challenges.

On this page: 

Get help now

Get immediate support by calling the crisis lines below or find direct numbers to local crisis lines in B.C. through an interactive map provided by the Crisis Line Association BC.

For life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

2-1-1 British Columbia

Helps connect to vital resources throughout the province. The service is free, confidential, multilingual and offers information and referral to community, government and social services. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

  • Call or text 2-1-1 (toll free)

KUU-US Crisis Line Society

Shares culturally safe help for First Nations and Indigenous people in B.C. on topics related to mental health and substance use. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

Some topics the KUU-US Crisis Line can support individuals with include, but are not limited to, mental health issues and crises related to residential school, child welfare, addiction, health concerns, divorce and separation, suicide ideation and survivorship, grief and loss, crime, abuse, peer pressure and financial distress.

Opioid Treatment Access Line

Provides fast and easy access to life-saving medication for opioid-use disorder and same-day care. This confidential, toll-free service is available throughout B.C. and connects individuals with a team of doctors and nurses who can prescribe opioid agonist medications. Callers are also linked to regional health-care teams for ongoing treatment and support. The service, covered by BC PharmaCare, is available 7 days a week from 9 am to 4 pm:

Your health authority

Your regional health authority provides mental health and substance use information and supports in your area. Find your health authority to learn more about the services they offer.

First Nations Health Authority (FNHA)

The First Nations Health Authority is responsible for planning, management, service delivery and funding of health programs, in partnership with First Nations communities throughout B.C. With the goal of providing culturally safe practices, the FNHA works to reform the way health care is delivered to B.C. First Nations through direct services, provincial partnership collaboration and health systems innovation.

First Nations Health Authority – Mental Health and Substance Use provides information on mental health and substance supports and resources for First Nations communities. For more information, please visit:

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Fraser Health Authority (FHA)

The Fraser Health Authority delivers a range of health care services to people living in the communities of Burnaby, New Westminster, Delta, Surrey, White Rock, Port Moody, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, Langley, Mission, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, District of Kent, Harrison Hot Springs and the Fraser Canyon (Hope).

Fraser Health Authority – Mental health and substance use provides community members with information about mental health and substance use services and support. Find information on emergency and non-emergency help, treatment options, peer and family support, the Mental Health Act, screening self-tests, treatment and care options, medications and mental wellness. For more information, please visit:

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Interior Health Authority (IHA)

The Interior Health Authority provides a range of integrated health care programs and services to residents across B.C.’s Southern Interior. This includes programs and services for areas of Thompson Cariboo, Shuswap, Okanagan, Kootenay Boundary and East Kootenay.

Interior Health Authority – Mental Health & Substance Use provides information about a range of mental health and substance use services and supports, including short-term assessment and treatment, long-term programs and seniors’ mental health services. For more information, please visit:

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Northern Health Authority (NHA)

The Northern Health Authority provides health care across 32 communities and 55 First Nation communities found in 6 regional districts of Northern B.C.

Northern Health – Mental health and substance use provides a range of programs and services that aim to restore, promote and maintain well-being. Most programs are structured around different life stages. For more information, please visit:

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Vancouver Coastal Health Authority (VCHA)

The Vancouver Coastal Health Authority serves people living in Vancouver, Vancouver's North Shore, Richmond, the Sea-to-Sky Highway, Sunshine Coast, Bella Bella, Bella Coola, the Central Coast and surrounding areas.

Vancouver Coastal Health Authority – Mental health and substance use services outlines a range of health care and support services for those struggling with mental health and substance use challenges. Information is available on acute and short-term treatment, community rehabilitation services, community mental health services, family involvement and support, LGBT2Q+ services, peer support, harm reduction, outpatient and tertiary services. For more information, please visit:

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Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA)

The Island Health Authority provides health care services to a large population across Vancouver Island, the islands in the Salish Sea and the Johnstone Strait, and mainland communities north of Powell River.

Island Health – Mental Health & Substance Use provides information about a range of services for individuals dealing with moderate to severe mental health and substance use concerns. For more information, please visit:

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General supports

Alcohol and Drug Information Referral Service (ADIRS)

Free, confidential, multilingual information and referral services for people living in B.C. in need of support with any kind of substance use issue (alcohol or other drugs). Referral to community substance use treatment services is available for all ages.

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services (BCMHSUS)

Provides specialized treatment and health care services for adults with complex mental health and substance use disorders throughout the province. Most services are for people who need more specialized care:

Other resources:

B.C. Smoking Cessation Program

Helps eligible B.C. residents who want to stop smoking or stop using other tobacco products. It covers the cost of one of two treatment options outlined below:

  • Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) products such as patch or gum
  • Prescription smoking cessation medications

Canadian Mental Health Association – British Columbia (CMHA BC)

A national charity that helps maintain and improve mental health for all Canadians. CMHA BC provides services and resources related to mental health, substance use and addictive behaviour throughout the province. Resources are available on topics such as children, youth, parenting, workplace, alcohol and other drugs, finding help and improving mental wellness. For more information, please visit:

HelpStartsHere

Provides a directory of over 2,600 publicly funded or not-for-profit mental health and substance use supports throughout B.C. You can also access articles about commonly searched topics that are easy to understand. This website is managed by the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions.

HeretoHelp

Features personal stories and self-help resources on mental health and substance use. Some topics include anxiety and anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, eating disorders, grief, personality disorders, psychosis, self-harm, stress, suicide, substances like alcohol and other drugs, and co-existing mental health and substance use disorders.

LifeguardConnect App

Automatically connect to emergency responders if you become unresponsive. Download it for free on the App Store or Google Play on your smartphone or tablet.

MindHealthBC

An evidence-based online service that makes it easier to find help available in your community for depression, anxiety and other mental health and substance use conditions. A short screening quiz used in clinical practice is also available and can provide you with results that you can share with your health care provider.

Overdose Prevention and Response in B.C.

Provides services and information on overdose prevention and response, including how to avoid and react to an overdose, how to get a naloxone kit and how it works, reducing stigma and talking to youth about substance use.

QuitNow

Provides support and resources for people who use tobacco or e-cigarettes. It supports you if you want to quit or reduce your use. Trained quit coaches work with you one-on-one to stick to your quit plan and help you through rough patches. The website and online community provide information and motivational support to guide your quit.

SMART Recovery BC

SMART Recovery BC provides addiction recovery support to individuals. The program is based on the latest scientific research and is part of a world-wide community of science-based mutual help groups.

Toward the Heart

Toward the Heart aims to keep people safe and minimize death, disease and injury from high-risk behaviour. They provide information on how to respond to an opioid overdose, including how to administer naloxone and where to find available kits in your community.

Toward the Heart is a project of the Provincial Harm Reduction Program and one of many initiatives of the Harm Reduction Program of the BC Centre for Disease Control.

Supports for Indigenous peoples

Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC)

MNBC represents the section 35 rights of over 24,000 Métis citizens who are registered with MNBC and advocates for the over 98,000 self-identified Métis in British Columbia.

Programs and resources are available to support Métis citizens with mental health and substance use concerns.

Talk Tobacco

Provides culturally appropriate support for Indigenous community members. Services are designed with input and guidance from First Nation, Inuit, Métis and urban Indigenous leaders, partners, community members and health care providers. They offer support and information about quitting smoking or vaping. Services are free and confidential, and available by phone, online chat and text.

Tsow-Tun Le Lum Society

Shares confidential outreach services such as counselling, cultural supports, wellness programs and a support line. Available Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm, and between 10 am to 2 pm on weekends and holidays:

Virtual Substance Use and Psychiatry Service

Offers all First Nations people and their families living in B.C. free access to specialists in addictions medicine and psychiatry, as well as mental health and allied health care professionals. This is a referral-based service that delivers culturally safe and trauma-informed care.

Supports for young people and families

FamilySmart

Helps children and young people by helping their family and other caring adults. They offer parent peer support for anyone with a child or youth with mental health or substance use challenges, as well as monthly events, resources and workshops to support the mental health of children, youth and families.

Foundry

Offers services and resources designed to support youth and young adults in B.C. to better understand their mental health and ways to improve their well-being. Young people can access services at Foundry Centres throughout B.C. or connect virtually through the Foundry BC app.

Online resources help educate youth about early mental health symptoms, along with the skills and strategies needed to manage these problems. Topics include depression, anxiety, stress, alcohol and substance use, psychosis, and body image and eating.

Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre

Provides mental health and substance use information and resources for families to navigate the mental health system. The Centre also provides free personalized support from parent peer support workers. Services are available to families throughout B.C. and the Yukon with children and youth up to age 24, by phone, email or a virtual meeting:

Kids Help Phone

Provides counselling, referral and support service for children and youth under the age of 20 years old who are dealing with emotional and mental health challenges. The service is free, confidential, anonymous and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

The Kids Help Phone website also provides information and additional services aimed at kids and teens. Topics covered include bullying, dating, emotional health, family, feelings, friendship, the Internet, LGBTQ, money, physical health, school, sexting, violence and abuse.

Resources for health professionals

Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research (CISUR)

A research centre at the University of Victoria dedicated to the study of substance use and addiction. CISUR seeks to support community-wide efforts to promote health and reduce harm.

CISUR publishes research bulletins and educational resources. These are designed to help health professionals support individuals and communities deal with issues related to substance use and addiction.

MindHealthBC

Offers tools and resources, such as an evidence-based quiz that can help you identify what your patient is struggling with and provide curated recommendations from trusted B.C. sources based on the results.