Question 1

How could substance use affect me or my partner?

Accepted Answer

Substance use can affect a person’s thinking and mood and may affect how they make decisions.
It may 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 prevent harmful interactions with prescription medicines.  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 info and services in your area.

Question 2

Can using substances affect my ability to become pregnant or conceive a baby?

Accepted Answer

Substance use can affect a person’s thinking and mood and may affect how they make decisions.
It may 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 prevent harmful interactions with prescription medicines.  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 info and services in your area.

Question 3

How could using substances affect a developing baby?

Accepted Answer

During pregnancy, the placenta connects to the developing baby through the umbilical cord. If substances are used during pregnancy, they can pass through the placenta and the baby can be affected.
Developing babies exposed to substances may experience:

 	birth defects
 	the placenta separating from the uterus
 	preterm birth
 	low birth weight
 	brain development that's not normal
 	learning disabilities and behaviour concerns

Substances could also be mixed with contaminants that could harm you and your baby.

If you’re planning to become pregnant or are already pregnant and are concerned about your substance use, help is available. Talk with your health care provider (including your pharmacist), or call the AHS Addiction Helpline, toll-free, 24/7, at 1-866-332-2322. For more info and to find services in your area go to AHS Addiction & Mental Health.

Question 4

Where can I get help?

Accepted Answer

You can call Health Link at 811.

You can call the AHS Addiction Helpline at 1-866-332-2322

If you're concerned about your own or someone else’s use, free, confidential counselling services are available throughout Alberta.

Help is available. If you want information on cutting down and quitting substance use, talk with your health care provider (including your pharmacist) about safe ways that are right for you.

Other Substances

How could substance use affect me or my partner?

Can using substances affect my ability to become pregnant or conceive a baby?

How could using substances affect a developing baby?

Where can I get help?

What is My To-Do List?