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