Prevention and Safer Drug Use

The following section contains information about preventing or delaying substance use, and safer drug use and overdose prevention.

Preventing or Delaying Substance Use

Prevent or Delay Substance Use provides information about what works to prevent substance use, and what doesn’t. It also includes links to prevention programs that seem to work and tips for parents and teachers. Information is also available on preventing or delaying the use of specific drugs including:

• Alcohol
• Cannabis
• Opioids
• Party Drugs and Medications

Safer Drug Use

While it is not always possible to prevent drug use, there are resources and tools to help start a conversation about safer drug use and preventing harm:

• Cannabis
• Harm Reduction and Needle Syringe Programs
• Substances (information about a variety of drugs)
• Tools for Health Professionals

Overdose Prevention

Overdose remains a concern in Waterloo Region, Ontario, and across Canada. The following pages provide information on preventing overdose:

• Overdose Prevention
• Overdose Alerts
• Naloxone
• Report an Overdose
• Consumption and Treatment Services