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    young person talking to a group

    Youth Resilience

    Fostering resilience in the young people we care about is crucial for their overall wellbeing. By modelling resilience ourselves and by teaching it as a skill, we can help give young people the tools they need to meet challenges.

    Learn more
  • Mental health
    • Anxiety
      • What to Do About Anxiety
      • Panic Attacks
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
    • Depression
      • Symptoms of Depression
      • What to Do About Depression
    • Stress
      • Symptoms of Stress
      • Managing Stress
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    • Self-Harm
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    Man looks out window pensively

    Anxiety, Stress, Depression. Understand the differences.

    Anxiety, depression, and stress are three common mental health concerns that can deeply impact our daily lives. But sometimes, when you’re not feeling well, it can be hard to figure out exactly why.

    Learn more
  • Substance use
    • Types of Substance Use
      • Alcohol
      • Opioids
      • Stimulants
    • Addiction
      • Addiction and Health
      • Treatment and Recovery
    • Harm Reduction
      • Overdose Prevention
      • Respond to an Overdose
      • Naloxone
      • Drug Checking
    Image
    Opioid Treatment Access Line: phone number 1-833-804-8111

    Get same-day support

    The Opioid Treatment Access Line makes it faster and easier to access life-saving medication with same-day support.

    Learn more
  • Articles

Main navigation

  • Wellbeing
    • Healthy Living
      • Eating Well
      • Staying Active
      • Sleep Habits
      • Mindfulness
    • Emotional
      • Resilience
      • Self-Esteem
      • Loneliness
    • Social
      • Stigma
      • Family
    Image
    young person talking to a group

    Youth Resilience

    Fostering resilience in the young people we care about is crucial for their overall wellbeing. By modelling resilience ourselves and by teaching it as a skill, we can help give young people the tools they need to meet challenges.

    Learn more
  • Mental health
    • Anxiety
      • What to Do About Anxiety
      • Panic Attacks
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
    • Depression
      • Symptoms of Depression
      • What to Do About Depression
    • Stress
      • Symptoms of Stress
      • Managing Stress
    • Self-Harm
    • Suicide
    • Seeking Help
      • Families Supporting Youth
      • Youth Supporting Themselves
      • Multi-Language Services in BC
    Image
    Man looks out window pensively

    Anxiety, Stress, Depression. Understand the differences.

    Anxiety, depression, and stress are three common mental health concerns that can deeply impact our daily lives. But sometimes, when you’re not feeling well, it can be hard to figure out exactly why.

    Learn more
  • Substance use
    • Types of Substance Use
      • Alcohol
      • Opioids
      • Stimulants
    • Addiction
      • Addiction and Health
      • Treatment and Recovery
    • Harm Reduction
      • Overdose Prevention
      • Respond to an Overdose
      • Naloxone
      • Drug Checking
    Image
    Opioid Treatment Access Line: phone number 1-833-804-8111

    Get same-day support

    The Opioid Treatment Access Line makes it faster and easier to access life-saving medication with same-day support.

    Learn more
  • Articles

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HelpStartsHere

Overdose Prevention

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  1. Home
  2. Substance Use
  3. Harm Reduction
  4. Overdose Prevention

Substance use

  • Types of Substance Use
    • Alcohol
    • Opioids
    • Stimulants
  • Addiction
    • Addiction and Health
    • Treatment and Recovery
  • Harm Reduction
    • Overdose Prevention
    • Respond to an Overdose
    • Naloxone
    • Drug Checking

A person can overdose from different kinds of substances, like opioids, stimulants, benzodiazepines, and/or alcohol. Learn to recognize and respond to overdoses. This could save the life of someone you care about.

An overdose happens when a toxic amount of a substance or combination of substances overwhelms the body. Overdoses can be unintentional or intentional. They affect people from every walk of life, their loved ones, and their friends.

Overdose is very dangerous and can cause permanent injury or death. Medical interventions, such as naloxone and calling 9-1-1 may be able to save someone from overdose death.

It is important to remember that overdoses are preventable, and there are many ways to stay safer if you or someone you know uses substances.

The signs of an overdose depend on the types of substances that have been taken. See the information below to learn to identify and respond to overdose:

  • Opioids 
  • Stimulants 
  • Alcohol 

Overdose prevention and supervised consumption services

Overdose prevention and supervised consumption services help prevent overdose-related events and deaths. These sites are helping people stay safer every day and are saving lives.

Overdose prevention and supervised consumption services (OPS/SCS) provide a safe space to use drugs under the supervision of trained workers. OPS/SCS also provide drug checking services, as well as emergency first aid services, such as oxygen or naloxone in the event of an overdose.

To help prevent overdose when using drugs, visit an overdose prevention site or supervised consumption site in your area:

  • Vancouver Coastal
  • Interior B.C.
  • Vancouver Island
  • Northern B.C.
  • Fraser

If you suspect an overdose, call 9-1-1 right away.

Resources

Showing 3 Resources

Available B.C. wide

Lifeguard App

Provincial Health Services Authority

Provides a free phone app that brings emergency responders to people who may be having an overdose on drugs while alone. Provided in partnership with regional health authorities and Lifeguard Digital Health.

The app is activated by the user before they take their dose. If the user doesn't hit a button after a set amount of time, a text-to-voice call will go to 9-1-1, alerting emergency medical dispatchers of a possible overdose.

Learn More
Available B.C. wide

Overdose Prevention Sites Listings (Toward the Heart)

Locations where people can safely use drugs under supervision of staff trained in emergency response. Services are free.

Learn More

Learn about Harm Reduction (Toward the Heart)

Resources and information to help you stay safer if you use drugs.

Learn More
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Emergency Contact Information

Call 9-1-1 if you are in an emergency. For mental health support, call:

Crisis Line

Call 1-800-784-2433 or dial 9-8-8 if you are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide

Mental Health Support Line

310-6789 (no area code needed)

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Copyright © 2025, Province of British Columbia.

Emergency Contacts

Crisis Line

1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or 9-8-8

Mental Health Support

310-6789

    Help Phone Lines

    If you are in need of immediate help, call 9-1-1.

    Crisis Line

    1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or 9-8-8

    ​Call 1-800-784-2433 or dial 9-8-8 if you are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide

    310 Mental Health Support

    310-6789 (NO AREA CODE)

    Call for emotional support, information and resources specific to mental health.

    Opioid Treatment Access Line

    1-833-804-8111

    Call for same-day opioid addiction support.

    KUU-US Crisis Response Service

    1-800-588-8717

    Call for culturally-aware crisis support for Indigenous peoples in B.C.