Anything taken into the body that changes the way you think, act, or feel is a substance. The term "substance" includes street drugs and products not typically considered a drug:
- Vitamins and herbal remedies
- Alcohol and tobacco
- Caffeine
- Over the counter and prescription medications
- Products used to gain a "high" but are not really drugs, such as solvents and aerosols
The most frequently used substance in the world today is caffeine. Fermented alcoholic beverages have been used since 6400 B.C. Opium has been used for sedation and pain relief since 4000 B.C.
Many are taken to regain and maintain health and wellness. Sometimes substances are used for recreational purposes. They can also be used in a harmful way, or in ways they were not originally intended to be used.
The Substance Misuse Prevention Program addresses substance use and abuse prevention through a harm reduction philosophy. This approach that aims to reduce the negative consequences associated with substance use. Harm reduction is often criticized as condoning substance use, but it does include abstinence. We know that the most effective way to reduce harm is to never use, but it is recognized that "Just Say No" is not as effective as "Just Say Know".
For more information, or to speak with a Public Health Nurse, please contact
York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653, TTY 1-866-252-9933
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