Consumption of alcohol and other drugs, and gambling

Drugs, which include alcohol and cannabis, change functions of the body and central nervous system. They can produce numerous psychological and physical effects on the person consuming them. Various problems are also linked to the consumption of alcohol and other drugs, including poisoning and dependence.

Gambling can also become problematic when it brings more trouble than pleasure. Winning on any gambling activity is purely by chance.

Advice is available on things you can do to prevent problems related to consumption and gambling.

• Reducing the risk of developing disorders associated with drinking, using drugs and gambling
• Alcohol consumption, drug use and gambling: helping teenagers

• Alcohol and drugs: a combination to avoid
• Alcohol or other drugs use during pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Reducing the health and safety risks associated with drinking alcohol
• Distribution of new injection equipment

To learn more about the consumption of alcohol and other drugs, consult the following pages.

• Recognizing drugs and their effects
• Problems associated with alcohol consumption and drug use
• Recognizing a drinking or drug disorder
• Risks of opioid use
• Rescuing a person from a possible opioid overdose

• Recognizing a gambling disorder
• The role of luck in gambling

If you are concerned about your consumption and gambling habits or that of someone close to you, do not hesitate to call the various resources for help and information.

Drugs: Help and Referral is a telephone service that caters to people who are concerned about their consumption and the people around them. It offers information, referral and listening services. Drugs: Help and Referral is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Its services are bilingual, confidential, anonymous and free.

Gambling: Help and Referral is a telephone service for people who are concerned about their gambling habits and the people around them. It offers information, referral and listening services. Gambling: Help and Referral is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Its services are bilingual, confidential, anonymous and free.

Tel-jeunes is a free and confidential listening, referral and support service for youths. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

Ligne Parents is a listening, referral and support service for parents of children between 0 and 20 years old. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You can contact the CISSS or CIUSSS in your region to speak confidentially with a healthcare professional for free. The healthcare professional can evaluate your needs and guide you towards the appropriate resource.

To find contact information for your CISSS or your CIUSSS, go to Finding your CISSS or your CIUSSS.

The Répertoire des ressources en dépendances features:

• Public resources offering addiction treatment services
• Community or private resources offering addiction lodging. These resources are certified or in the process of certification