Drug Use

Safe drug use can help prevent HIV transmission. Many agencies in Ontario work to promote safer drug use, thereby reducing the risk of HIV transmission, overdose or negative side effects.

Here are some brief facts about drug use:

• Drugs may be prescribed (legal) or they may be purchased outside of pharmacies from friends or acquaintances (illegal).
• Drugs can be smoked, swallowed, snorted and injected.
• Drugs include uppers, downers, and hallucinogens.

If you are living with HIV, drugs can interact with your HIV medications. To learn about how certain drugs may interact with HIV medications, visit HIV Drug Interactions.

For more information about safer drug use in Ontario, please visit:

• Ontario Harm Reduction Distribution Program
• Harm Reduction as a Tool for Healthy Living

These services are confidential under Ontario’s Personal Health Information Act. If you want to learn more about each provider’s privacy and confidentiality policies, feel free to ask them directly.

Other Supports

Canada’s source for HIV and hepatitis C information supports harm reduction efforts in Ontario by providing training, networking opportunities, and consultations to service providers and agencies. We bring together harm reduction workers from across the province through The Outreach Network. OHRN is funded through the Ontario Ministry of Health.

ConnexOntario provides free information about drug and alcohol addiction services. Call them at 1-800-565-8603 or go to the website to chat or email. Someone will be there to answer your questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) offers a range of services to people who want to reduce or change their drug use. For more information about CAMH services, click here, or contact their Assessment Service at 416-535-8501 and press the number 2 to talk to someone.