Substance mis-use and harm reduction

Tobacco

SAIT is a smoke-free campus. This includes the use of vape devices, anywhere on campus.

Most of us know by now that smoking is an unhealthy and costly habit. We are not going to list all the scary things that can happen because of smoking or talk about the amount of money a person can save if they quit - but if you did want to know more of that sort of thing - you can find it on Nicorette.ca.

Have you considered quitting smoking? 

It's not always easy, but it's always worth it, for your health, the health of those around you and for your finances.

Smoking cessation resources are available to students through Saitsa’s Student Health and Dental Plan. 

Students can also access wellness support through Student Development and Counselling and community smoking cessation resources through Alberta Quits.

Cannabis

Since Cannabis use was legalized in Canada, there has been an average 4% increase in users. That might not sound like a lot, but it's only been a few years, and the increase is mostly amongst young people.

There was a 67% increase in purchasing from legal cannabis stores - this is good news as it suggests that there is less unregulated cannabis in circulation. Know the facts with cannabis sense.

Find additional facts about cannabis usages at Cannabis in Canada.

Alcohol

For many students, drinking alcohol can form part of your social life at college. Whether it's grabbing a beer after class on a Friday or heading out on a Saturday night, make sure you know the risks, know your limits, and know how to drink alcohol responsibly.

Canada’s drinking guidelines

Use this Government of Canada guide to better understand units and consumption limits.

Safe drinking habits include:

• knowing how much alcohol you’re having
• eating before and during 
• keeping track of your drinks – if you can’t recall the number, it might be time to stop
• having spacers not chasers – drink water or soft drinks between alcoholic drinks 
• never, ever drink and drive and discourage others from doing so.

Learn how to prevent impaired driving and access designated driving services in Alberta.

If you think you might be struggling with alcohol, refer to these resources:  

Addiction Helpline
Call 1.866.332.2322
Translation services are available.

Alcoholics Anonymous
Call 403.777.1212 or calgaryaa.org

Adult Addictions Services (Rapid Access Addiction Medicine)
Call 403.367.5000 or albertahealthservices.ca

Recovery on Campus at the University of Calgary
Join a weekly meeting with fellow recoverees or recoveryoncampusalberta.ca

Opioids and other drugs 

Using

• Using legal products only
• Keeping with in recommended usage limits
• Storing any drugs safely (out of reach from children and pets)
• Using socially or recreationally (not in or before work)

Misusing

• Using illegal drugs recreationally (opioids, heroin, cocaine, LSD, “club drugs”, illegal marijuana)
• Using old prescription medication or those that were not prescribed to them
• Mixing any drugs with other drugs and/or alcohol
• Using as a result of addition or to change the way they feel and think (coping)

If you think you might be struggling with narcotics, refer to these resources:  

Narcotics Anonymous
Call 1.877.909.3636 or infodrugrehab.com

SafeWorks Harm Reduction Program
Call 403.955.3380 or albertahealthservices.ca

🔗 addictionsandrecovery.org 

🔗 keepitsocial.ca 

Naloxone and Opioid Overdose: Keeping you Safe  

You can find Naloxone for free at most pharmacies by asking a pharmacist. Find a complete list of participating pharmacies.

Pharmacists can offer a quick tutorial on how to administer Naloxone. However, Alberta Health Services offers more information on comprehensive training. Take-home kits may also be available at various community organizations.

Naloxone is not a substitute for emergency medical support. Always call 911 when administering naloxone.

Learn more: 

🔗 naloxone - canada.ca 

🔗 drug safe | albertahealthservices.ca 

🔗 harm reduction | albertahealthservices.ca 

If you see someone experiencing an overdose and want to help, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act was introduced in 2017. This law provides safety and protection from the law for anyone who calls emergency services to save the life of someone overdosing.