Question 1

How could substance use affect me or my partner?

Accepted Answer

Substance use (e.g., psychoactive drugs) can affect a person's thinking and mood and may affect how they make decisions.
It might also put people in an unsafe situation where it is difficult to avoid risks. This might include unsafe sex practices leading to an increased risk of STIs or unintended pregnancy. There may also be increased risk for physical injuries, infections like hepatitis or HIV, poisoning (overdose).

If you are concerned about your own or your partner’s use of substances, your health care provider (including your pharmacist) can help you find the right support. Talking with your health care provider about your substance use can also prevent harmful interactions of prescription medicine. There are also services that you can use that don't need a referral from a health care provider.

Call the AHS Addiction Helpline, toll-free, 24/7 at 1-866-332-2322 or go to AHS Addiction & Mental Health to find more information and services in your area.

Question 2

When can prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicine be harmful?

Accepted Answer

Prescription medicine and over-the-counter (OTC) medicine can be harmful if not used as directed.
This can include:

 	taking medicine prescribed to someone else
 	taking the medicine to feel 'high' or intoxicated
 	taking a higher dose than prescribed or recommended
 	having more than one prescription for the same medicine

Question 3

Are herbal products safe?

Accepted Answer

Although people may think of herbal products as being natural, natural does not always mean safe. Many of our strongest poisons and medicines come from natural sources (e.g., cyanide, cocaine).
Herbal products come in a variety of forms, including powders, pills and herbal teas. Many herbal products have not been tested for safety, or for effectiveness.

Herbal products may interact with:

 	prescription medicine (including birth control)
 	over-the-counter (OTC) medicine
 	vitamins and minerals supplements
 	food and beverages

Herbal products can also affect blood tests or other laboratory results.

Talk with your health care provider (including your pharmacist) about any herbal products that you are taking. If you have any questions, talk with your health care provider or call Health Link at 811.

Question 4

How can I use prescription medicine, over-the-counter (OTC) products and vitamins and minerals supplements safely?

Accepted Answer

Tell your health care provider (including your pharmacist) about any medicine, herbal products (including powders, pills and herbal teas) or supplements that you take. Ask them any questions that you have about these medicines or products.
For prescription medicine:

 	take only prescription medicine that is prescribed for you
 	follow the instructions on the label
 	ask your health care provider or pharmacist what to do if you miss a dose

For the over-the-counter (OTC) products:

 	take only the dose recommended on the label
 	read the label for any warnings – if it applies to you follow those instructions

Learn more about choosing a multivitamin with folic acid here.

Learn how to create a Medlist.

Question 5

Where can I get help?

Accepted Answer

Talk with your health care provider (including your pharmacist) about any medicine, herbal products (including powders, pills and herbal teas) and supplements that you take. You can also call Health Link at 811.
If you have any questions, they can give you information on possible side-effects, interactions or risks of the products and medicine you take such as:

 	prescription medicine (including birth control)
 	over-the-counter (OTC) medicine
 	herbal products
 	supplements

If you want information about cutting down and quitting substance use, talk with your health care provider about safe ways that are right for you.

If you're concerned about your own or someone else’s substance use, go to AHS Addiction & Mental Health to find services in your area, or call the AHS Addiction Helpline at 1-866-332-2322 (24/7).

Medicine & Other Substances

How could substance use affect me or my partner?

When can prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicine be harmful?

Prescription medicine and over-the-counter (OTC) medicine can be harmful if not used as directed.

Are herbal products safe?

How can I use prescription medicine, over-the-counter (OTC) products and vitamins and minerals supplements safely?

Where can I get help?

What is My To-Do List?