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Public Health works at the population level to prevent harms associated with substance use. We work to address the social determinants of health, like housing, income, and access to services, that can lead to problems with substance use and poorer health. Learn more about this work.

The substance use spectrum

People use substances, such as controlled and illegal drugs, cannabis, tobacco or nicotine, and alcohol for different reasons, including

  • medical purposes
  • religious or ceremonial purposes
  • personal enjoyment
  • to cope with stress, trauma, or pain

Substance use is different for everyone and can be viewed on a spectrum with varying stages of benefits and harms.

Our role

Public Health’s areas of work related to substance use health

  • Address risk and protective factors for substance use.
  • Educate the public about harms associated with substance use, for example issuing drug warnings and alerts.
  • Promote a variety of programs, approaches and services that promote health and reduce harms for individuals, families and communities across the entire substance use spectrum (Health Canada).
  • Collaborate with local agencies and partners as part of a comprehensive drug strategy.
  • Work alongside government bodies to develop healthy public policies.
  • Ensure policies and programs related to substances promote equity.
  • Monitor trends to inform policy, programs, and services.
  • Collaborate with local stakeholders across sectors to ensure comprehensive and equitable access to care and support services.

Mental health and substance use resources

Finding the right mental health, substance use health, and addictions services for you can be daunting, especially if you don’t know where to go. Please see the below list of local and virtual programs and services to help support you.

If you are still having trouble finding what you need, reach out to 211 Ontario. 211 quickly and confidentially connects people to social services and community programs across the province. Call by dialing 2-1-1, texting 2-1-1, or chat via the live chat on their website.

* If you are in crisis or need to reach someone immediately, please call 9-1-1 or Health Sciences North’s 24/7 crisis toll-free number at 1.877.841.1101.

  • ConnexOntario
    • Discover mental health, addiction, and problem gambling services in Ontario
    • Call 1.866.531.2600, or text CONNEX to 247247
  • Suicide Crisis Helpline (9-8-8)
    • Offers trauma-informed and culturally affirming support to anyone who is thinking of suicide, or who is worried about someone they know
    • Call or text 9-8-8
  • Crisis Intervention Services (Health Sciences North)
    • The Crisis Intervention Program provides assessment and brief intervention services to individuals living with mental illness 24/7, as well as those experiencing distressing feelings and thoughts related to harm. Referral to services is offered.
    • Call 705.675.4760 or 1.877.841.1101 (toll-free) or visit http://crisishelp.ca/.
  • Northern Institute for Social Action (NISA)
    • NISA is an organization run by and for people with lived experience of mental health challenges/illness and consumers of mental health services.
    • For Warm Line, call 705.222.6472 or 1.866.856.9276 (toll-free).
  • Togetherall (Big White Wall)
    • Togetherall, formerly known as Big White Wall, is an online service providing access to millions with anxiety, depression and other common mental health issues.
  • BounceBack
    • BounceBack is a free skill building program managed by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).
  • eMentalHealth
    • eMentalHealth offers mental health services, help and support in your community.
  • Anxiety Canada
    • Anxiety Canada offers resources and programs to help people better understand and manage anxiety—and find the relief they need.
    • Call 1.604.620.0744
  • Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
    • CMHA supports people and communities through advocacy and the provision of safe, inclusive and accessible mental health and substance use services.
    • Call 705.675.7252 or 1.866.285.2642 (toll free)
  • Health Sciences North (HSN)
    • HSN runs numerous different mental health and substance use programs across the Sudbury, Manitoulin and East Algoma districts.
    • Call 705.523.7100 ext. 4221, or 1.866.469.0822 (toll-free)
  • Sudbury & Area Victims Services
    • Sudbury & Area Victim Services provides immediate crisis response, intervention, and prevention services which are responsive to the needs of individuals, families and communities affected by crime and tragic circumstances.
    • Call 705.522.6970
  • Espanola & Area Family Health Team
    • Espanola & Area Family Health Team offers one-one-one counselling services for all residents living in Espanola and surrounding area. You may be required to join a waitlist.
    • Call 705.862.7991
  • Community Mental Health & Addictions Program (HSN)
    • A group of services delivered by Health Sciences North. Sites located in Espanola, Manitoulin and St. Charles offer free and confidential mental health and substance use support. Referrals are required.
    • Call 705.523.7100, ext. 4221
  • Manitoulin Northshore Victim Services
    • Manitoulin Northshore Victim Services offers the VCAO (Victim Crisis Assistance Ontario) and VQPR+ (Victim Quick Response Program). These services are also available in the Lacloche area.
    • Call 705.370.3378 or 1.866.392.7733 (toll-free)
  • Services de santé de Chapleau Health Services
  • L’Équipe de santé familiale de Chapleau and District Family Health Team
    • Offers numerous services for both adults and youth through their Mental Health & Addictions programming.
    • Call 705.864.0210

  • Talk 4 Healing
    • Talk 4 Healing is a culturally grounded, fully confidential helpline for Indigenous women and available in 14 languages across Ontario.
    • Call 1.855.554.HEAL (toll-free)
    • Crisis line 1.888.200.9997
  • Hope for Wellness Helpline
    • The Hope for Wellness Helpline offers immediate help to all Indigenous people across Canada. It is available 24/7 to offer immediate support and crisis intervention.
    • Call 1.855.242.3310 or live chat
  • Shkagamik-Kwe Health Center
    • Shkagamik-Kwe Health Center delivers wholistic traditional programs in a culturally appropriate manner, which reflect Aboriginal culture, values and traditions.
    • Call 705.675.1596
  • N’Swakamok Native Friendship Center
    • N’Swakamok Native Friendship Centre provides supports, services, and partnerships for the Indigenous community in Sudbury.
    • Call 705.671.3539
  • Noojmowin Teg Health Center
    • Noojmowin Teg offers programs that support and promote the overall well-being of Anishinabek individuals and families who are seeking support for mental health and addictions concerns.
    • For more information and locations, visit https://www.noojmowin-teg.ca/programs-services
    • Call 705.368.0083
  • Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services Inc.
    • Maamwesying offers a wide variety of counselling services and educational workshops for folks 18+ including individual client-centred counselling, family and group therapy, and traditional treatment services.
    • Call 705.844.2021
  • Mnaamodzawin Health Services
    • Mnaamodzawin Health Services provides services to individuals and families which include health promotion, treatment, support, and aftercare. Traditional approaches can be incorporated according to clients’ interests and needs.
    • Call 705.368.2182
  • Mnidoo Mnising Mental Wellness Crisis Response Team
    • Mnidoo Mnising Mental Wellness Crisis Response Team supports the 7 First Nations of Mnidoo Mnising in crisis response. Crisis support is provided 24/7 by telephone.
    • Call 705.348.1937
  • Gwekwaadziwin Miikan
    • Gwekwaadziwin Miikan Youth Mental Health & Addiction Program is a 3-phase program that offers land-based treatment, live in after care and community aftercare programs for young adults 19+ struggling with addictions and other mental health issues.
    • Call 705.370.5307
  • Naandwechige-Gamig – Wikwemikong Health Centre
    • Provides services and supports to community members living with mental illness and addictions with western health services and traditional healing methods. Includes counselling, harm reduction, treatment, and referral to services.
    • Call 705.859.3164 or 1.866.968.3872 (toll-free)
  • Chapleau Cree Health Services
    • Offers health services delivery with a focus on holistic approaches offering western and traditional healing choices. Focuses include disease prevention, facilitation of recovery from illness, and enhancement of well-being.
    • Call 705.864.0200
  • Wabun Health Services
    • Culturally appropriate programs and services for Indigenous people, combining traditional health and Western medical practices.
    • Call 705.268.9066

  • One Stop Talk
    • Any child or young person from (17 years of age or younger) can access free therapy sessions and ongoing support with no appointment needed. Parents/caregivers are welcome to connect to the service with their child to ensure access.
    • Call 1.855.416.8255
  • Kids Help Phone
    • Kids Help Phone’s e-mental health services are available 24/7 across Canada. Services available for kids, teens and young adults from coast to coast.
    • Call 1.800.668.6868 or text 686868, live chat (available 7 p.m. to midnight)
  • Good2Talk
    • Good2Talk offers free, confidential support to post-secondary students in Ontario 24/7.
    • Call 1.866.925.5454, or text GOOD2TALKON to 686868
  • Black Youth Helpline
    • Black Youth Helpline connects you to professional services. An initial intake followed by professional assessment helps identify root causes of issues and challenges, and a support plan is developed.
    • Call 1.833.294.8650 (toll-free)
  • Mindyourmind
    • Mindyourmind has interactive tools and innovative resources regarding mental health that is co-created with youth.
  • Children’s Mental Health Ontario Centres
    • Children’s Mental Health Ontario Centres is a network of over 100 organizations operating across Ontario who offer support and programs for children, youth and their families. Services are free.
    • Call 416.921.2109
  • The Sudbury Youth Wellness Hub
    • The Youth Wellness Hub Sudbury provides a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for youth aged 12-25 to access free drop-in mental health and addiction services, primary care, and skills and well-being activities.
    • Call 705.280.7581
  • Compass/Boussole
    • Compass/Boussole provides child and youth mental health services. Appointments are available in-person, by phone or video conferencing.
    • Call 1.800.815.7126
  • mindSPACE
    • mindSPACE is a free and confidential mental health service for children and youth under 18. Available in Greater Sudbury, Chapleau, Espanola, and Manitoulin.
    • Call 1.800.815.7126 (toll-free)

  • Trans Lifeline
    • Trans Lifeline offers direct emotional support to trans people in crisis. All operators are transgender.
    • Call 1.877.330.6366
  • LGBTQ Youth Line
    • LGBTQ Youth line offers confidential and non-judgmental peer support through phone or text from Sunday to Monday.
    • Call 1.800.268.9688 (toll-free), or text 647.694.4275
  • Fierté Sudbury Pride
    • Fierté Sudbury Pride is a not-for-profit community-based organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and celebrating the 2SLGBTQ+ population of the City of Greater Sudbury. They have a list of 2SLGBTQ+ focused resources and organizations.

For more information on where to find harm reduction supplies or where to safely dispose of supplies and syringes (kiosks) in your area, visit: https://ohrdp.ca/find-supplies/.

  • ConnexOntario
    • Discover mental health, addiction and problem gambling services in Ontario.
    • Call 1.866.531.2600, or text CONNEX to 247247.
  • Suicide Crisis Helpline (9-8-8)
    • Offers trauma-informed and culturally affirming support to anyone who is thinking of suicide, or who is worried about someone they know.
    • Call or text 9-8-8.
  • Health 8-1-1 (Health Connect Ontario)
    • Access safe, high-quality care and avoid unnecessary visits to the emergency room.
    • Call 8-1-1 or live chat.
  • National Overdose Response Service (NORS)
    • NORS is an overdose prevention hotline for Canadians providing loving, confidential, nonjudgmental support for you -whenever and wherever you use drugs.
    • Call or text 1.888.688.6677, or use the app Brave App.
  • Breaking Free Online
    • Confidential wellness and recovery support program for alcohol and drugs.
    • Call 1.833.325.1338
  • Good2Talk
    • Good2Talk offers free, confidential support to post-secondary students in Ontario 24/7.
    • Call 1.866.925.5454, or text GOOD2TALKON to 686868.
  • Kids Help Phone
    • Kids Help Phone’s e-mental health services are available 24/7 across Canada. Services available for kids, teens and young adults from coast to coast.
    • Call 1.800.668.6868 or text 686868, live chat (available 7 p.m. to midnight).
  • Drug Rehab Services
    • DRS Canada is a free resource for drug and alcohol addiction in Canada. They can provide referrals for individuals seeking rehab in Canada.
    • Call 1.877.254.3348.
  • Alcoholics Anonymous
    • Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other help others to recover from their alcohol addiction.
    • Find a meeting near you https://www.aa.org/find-aa.
  • Al-Anon
    • Al‑Anon is a mutual support program for people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking. By sharing common experiences and applying the Al-Anon principles, families and friends of alcoholics can bring positive changes to their individual situations.
    • Find a meeting near you https://al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/find-an-al-anon-meeting/
    • Call 1.888.425.2666 (for meeting information)
  • Narcotics Anonymous – Ontario Region
    • Offers recovery from the effects of addiction through a twelve-step program, including regular attendance at group meetings. NA’s approach makes no distinction between drugs and alcohol.
    • Find a meeting near you: https://www.orscna.org/meetings
    • Call 1.888.811.3887
  • Holding Hope Support Groups
    • Support groups for parents and family members of someone suffering from substance use disorders.
  • Families for Addiction Recovery
    • Founded by parents of children who have struggled with addiction from their teens to help provide long term recovery for those with addiction and their families.
    • Call 1.855.377.6677
  • Crisis Intervention Services (Health Sciences North)
    • The Crisis Intervention Program provides assessment and brief intervention services to individuals living with mental illness 24/7, as well as those experiencing distressing feelings and thoughts related to harm. Referral to services is offered.
    • Call 705.675.4760 or 1.877.841.1101 (toll-free), or visit http://crisishelp.ca/
  • Withdrawal Management Services (WMS)
    • Withdrawal Management Services (WMS) is a 24/7, 19 bed program offering detox services for individuals 16 years of age and older who are under the influence of, or in acute withdrawal from, alcohol or other substances.
    • Call 705.523.7100, ext. 1870 or 1.866.469.0822 (toll-free)
  • Mobile Withdrawal Management Services (MWMS)
    • The MWMS provides support to anyone 16 years of age or over who want to withdraw from a substance(s), or reduce their use, and can’t attend in-person services. Substances can include alcohol, opioids, or other drugs (such as cannabis, benzos, etc.). You can access from where you are located, such as in your home, the home of a family member or another safe place.
    • Call 705.523.7100, ext. 1829 or 1.866.469.0822 (toll-free)
  • Rapid Access Addictions Medicine Clinic (RAAM) (Health Sciences North)
    • The Rapid Access Addictions Medicine (RAAM) clinic is a low barrier walk-in clinic for people looking for help with their substance use. Anyone 16 years of age or older who is looking for help with their substance use and can be safely supported in the community is eligible for services.
    • Call 705.523.7100, ext. 1875
  • Rapid Access Addictions Medicine Clinic (RAAM)—Espanola
    • The Rapid Access Addiction Medicine Clinic (RAAM) is a medical clinic for individuals who are looking for help with their substance use. Doctors at the clinic have experience treating individuals struggling with alcohol or opioid use. Doctors will assess each individual and develop a treatment plan accordingly. Referrals to community organizations for further support can be arranged.
    • Call 705.862.7991, ext. 4241
  • Adult & Youth Outpatient Addictions and Gambling Services (OAGS)
  • Monarch Recovery Services
    • Monarch Recovery Services has substance use services in Sudbury for many steps of your recovery. Their programs allow you to slowly build your strengths, preparing you for your new life in recovery.
    • Call 705.674.4193
  • CMHA Healing with Hope – Harm Reduction Home
    • The Healing with Hope Home supports individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and are impacted by alcohol dependence. The Healing with Hope Home provides access to a managed alcohol program (MAP) where individuals are supported with housing and addressing primary care and mental health needs.
    • Services located in Sudbury, Ontario.
    • Call 705.675.7252 or 1.866.285.2642
  • Northwood Recovery
    • Northwood Recovery offers walk-in and scheduled treatment for those experiencing addiction. They are a network of access points that offer outpatient services in addiction treatment and recovery.
    • For more information and locations, visit https://www.northwoodrecovery.ca/
    • Call 705.806.3737 or 1.833.805.3737 (toll-free)
  • OATC Clinics
    • OATC offers a comprehensive care model designed to meet the broader health care needs of their patients. In addition to providing opioid agonist treatment (OAT), they provide harm reduction services, basic primary care, Hepatitis C and HIV Treatment, and counselling/case management.
    • Services located in Sudbury, Ontario.
    • Call 705.806.3737 or 1.833.805.3737 (toll-free)
  • Recovery North
    • Recovery North offers walk-in and scheduled treatment for medication-assisted outpatient-based addiction treatment services and recovery.
    • Services located in Sudbury, Ontario.
    • Call 705.806.3737
  • trueNorth Addiction Medicine Program
    • trueNorth offers telemedicine-based medical consultations, advice and treatment related to substance use, including methadone and buprenorphine maintenance treatment, alcohol dependence treatment, nicotine replacement therapy, and benzodiazepine tapering.
    • For locations, visit https://www.truenorthmedical.com/locations
    • Call 705.586.0768 or 1.888.878.3563
  • VitaHeal
    • Offers treatment for medication-assisted, outpatient-based addiction, treatment services and recovery.
    • For locations, visit: https://vitaheal.ca/contact-us/
    • Call 705.805.6383
  • Réseau ACCESS Network
    • Réseau ACCESS Network supports individuals – and serves the whole community – with a comprehensive / holistic approach to HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, harm reduction, and related health issues.
    • Call 705.688.0500 or 1.800.465.2437 (toll-free)
  • The Go-Give Project
    • The Go-Give Project provides mobile outreach services for harm reduction, nutrition, wellness checks, referrals, systems navigation, and supplies such as clothing for unhoused people and people who use drugs in the Greater Sudbury area. The Go-Give Project also hosts events and workshops out of their main office to provide skill-building and foster connection for community members.
    • Call 705.822.7596
  • The Point (Public Health Sudbury & Districts)
    • The Point is a free and confidential program that provides harm reduction supplies and services to people who use drugs. It aims to reduce the risks of getting or passing infectious diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C, and reduce risks associated with using drugs.
    • For more information and locations, visit https://phsd.ca/thepoint.
    • Call 705.522.9200 or 1.866.522.9200 (toll-free)
  • Turning Point Décisif (SSCHS)
    • Offers a variety of programs and services for individuals living with mental illnesses or addictions.
    • Services located in Chapleau, Ontario.
    • Call 705.864.1919

  • Ngwaagan Gamig Recovery Centre (Rainbow Lodge)
    • Culturally based addictions treatment and prevention services. Empowering individuals and families toward a healthy lifestyle, healing and wellness, through education and utilizing cultural holistic approaches.
    • Services located in Wikwemikong Unceded Territory.
    • Call 705.859.2324 or 1.877.649.2242 (toll-free)
  • Mnaamodzawin Health Services
    • Provides services to individuals and families within partnering communities that support spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental well-being. Traditional approaches can be incorporated according to clients’ interests and needs. Services, which will be tailored to the unique needs of each client, range from health promotion to treatment, support, and aftercare.
    • For locations, visit https://www.mnaamodzawin.com/
    • Call 705.368.2182

This page was last updated September 20, 2026