Prevention: Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy

Through the Canadian drugs and substances strategy we support and put into practice evidence-based prevention initiatives with the goals of:

  • increasing awareness and knowledge about the risks of problematic substance use
  • reducing the desire and willingness to obtain and use drugs

Prevention activities under the Canadian drugs and substances strategy

We are:

  • Updating the Canadian Guidelines for Safe and Effective Use of Opioids for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain, with the goal of maximizing the benefits of opioid therapy for chronic non-cancer pain, while reducing the risk of harm.
    • developing public awareness materials and hosting awareness sessions for:
      • parents
      • professionals
      • school-age youth
      • other audiences, including members of First Nations communities
    • providing drug and alcohol prevention services in most First Nations and Inuit communities across Canada
    • proposing regulatory changes to:
      • give more information to patients, including:
        • information handouts with prescription opioids
        • warning stickers for prescription opioids
      • require producers to put risk management plans in place for opioids

Page details

Date modified: