Many people use substances such as alcohol, tobacco, prescription, and non-prescription drugs. We use these substances for a variety of reasons and our use may change on any given day.
The spectrum of substance use health
Substance use falls along a spectrum ranging from no substance use to substance use disorders. Health and well-being can be supported at any point along this spectrum. If we think about substance use health the way we think of physical and mental health, it will help us be more supportive and less judgmental of the ways and reasons people consume substances. View our tips for safe substance use.
No use
No use of substances
Substance use
Beneficial
Positive health or social effects
Lower risk
Occasional use that has negligible health or social effects
Problems occurring
Use that has negative consequences for people
Substance use disorder
Diagnosable medical condition, when consequences don't change a pattern of use
Decriminalizing people who use substances
Decriminalization, often referred to as "decrim," is a harm reduction approach that involves the removal of criminal penalties for specific actions, particularly the possession of small, predefined amounts of certain drugs for personal use. Under this policy, such possession does not lead to criminal charges. Instead, the focus shifts towards providing access to health and support services, viewing substance use primarily as a public health issue rather than a criminal one. This approach is being adopted in various jurisdictions around the world, including British Columbia, Canada.
Decriminalization differs from legalization, which allows the regulated sale and consumption of substances like cannabis. With decriminalization, while possession for personal use does not result in arrest, having amounts above the specified limits, as well as the production and sale of drugs, remains illegal.
To learn more about decriminalization, including the community's perspective and discussions, please read the KFL&A Community Consultation on Decriminalization. The Community Drug Strategy Advisory Committee has also released a video of a panel discussion featuring a blend of local experts and experienced voices from British Columbia, where decriminalization has been in effect for over a year.
KFL&A Community Drug Strategy Advisory Committee (CDSAC)
A multi-sector partnership dedicated to cultivating healthy communities along the spectrum of substance use health in the KFL&A region. KFL&A Public Health provides backbone support to the KFL&A Community Drug Strategy and is one of over twenty local community organizations participating as a community partner.
Learn more about the work of the KFL&A CDSAC
Substance use in the workplace
Research has linked substance use to a variety of problems in the workplace: absenteeism, poor decision-making, unsafe work practices, decreased productivity and conflicts among employees. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety provides useful information for workplaces including why a workplace should address problematic substance use, the effects of various substances, costs to workplaces and actions workplaces can take to help address substance use issues.
Employers can refer to Addiction & Mental Health Services, Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health for additional support.