substance use

The mandate of the Cannabis Knowledge Exchange Hub is to share evidence about the non-medical use of cannabis.

But what exactly is “non-medical” use of cannabis, and how do we differentiate it from “medical” use? This question is one to which our team returns time and time again.

One way to view the distinction is whether the cannabis is prescribed by a health care provider and accessed through the medical cannabis system.

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Jean Tweed Centre, Centre for Innovation in Peer Support, and Addictions Mental Health Ontario would like to hear from you! 

Let us know what you think by completing this anonymous survey regarding digital health resources during COVID-19 and beyond.

Many people who use drugs such as opioids and stimulants also use cannabis.

New research from BC suggests that cannabis use may serve a wide range of purposes for these people, including recreation, reducing cravings for other drugs or mitigating withdrawal from other drugs.

https://www.theglobeandmail.co...lou-kristy-draws-on/

Laura Stone,Queen's Park Reporter July 6 2020

We provide a safe virtual space where parents can discuss practical strategies, find support, and share resources and information that worked for them. Participation in the Groups is free and no registration is required. This group uses the principles of Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT), Motivational Interviewing and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Every 1st and 3rd Monday 7 to 830 pm EST

Every 1st and 3rd Tuesday 12 to 130 pm EST

Join a meeting here:

The Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) is launching a program evaluation and is developing a 5 year strategic plan to help inform activities for the Mental Health and Addiction Initiative, in order to support those working with clients experiencing mental health and/or substance use issues. 

As part of this evaluation, a short survey has been developed to help inform how RNAO are doing at meeting the needs of nurses and other health care providers, policy and decision-makers/leaders, as they respond to mental health, mental illness and substance use in Ontario.

BOSTON, Massachusetts, June 30, 2020: The International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM) announced the release of their Addiction Standard Set today.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists in the United Kingdom has put together  specific considerations you need to make when working with more vulnerable populations, such as older people, people who use drugs, with alcohol dependence, with intellectual disabilities, and pregnant women and those in the perinatal period.  Suggestions are included for community services, acute hospital services, inpatient services, children services, persons with lived experience, and pharmacological considerations.

This free webinar is hosted by the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba. 

The pandemic is a difficult time for people of all ages and health conditions. For older adults, the pandemic poses additional challenges as disrupted support systems and potential increased risks of serious complications from COVID-19 can lead to higher levels of stress or anxiety, and increase their vulnerability to various health problems, including addictions.

Want to learn how you can limit the harms of cannabis use?
Want to have better conversations about cannabis use with your patients or clients?

In 2019, we asked over 800 residents of Peterborough aged 18 and older about their use and perspectives around recreational cannabis use. The following videos capture what we learned.

Cannabis Conversations for Service Providers: https://youtu.be/NGEjX7cobjw

CAMH’s recovery college, in partnership with Skylark, is running a series of harm reduction workshops. These workshops are designed by and for youth with lived experience of mental health and/or addiction challenges.

The McCain Centre for Child, Youth & Family Mental Health is excited to host a webinar to discuss how youth and young adults are experiencing COVID-19 and how we can support them during this time.

The webinar will feature a Youth Expert Panel and results of a survey of more than 600 youth. There will be a facilitated question and discussion period with the Youth Expert Panel and psychologist Dr. Joanna Henderson, Director of the McCain Centre

The Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse (CRISM) is developing a series of national guidance documents that will address the urgent needs of people who use substances, service providers and decision makers during COVID‑19.

CRISM continues to update the documents as new information is available. For the latest updates, visit their website.

Below are their published guidance documents to date:

THIS FRIDAY - McCainCentre@CAMH presents: How is COVID-19 affecting youth mental health, substance use and wellness?

Dear all,

The McCain Centre for Child, Youth & Family Mental Health at CAMH is excited to host a webinar this Friday to discuss how youth and young adults are experiencing COVID-19 and how we can support them during this time.

Check out the Canadian Centre of Substance Use and and Addiction's resources on the 'Impacts of Covid-19 on Substance Use'

English version: https://www.ccsa.ca/Impacts-COVID-19-Substance-Use

French version: https://www.ccsa.ca/fr/Usage-d...bstances-et-COVID-19

Thanks CCSA for pulling these resources together! 

Please also share your resources with us in the comment section below.

The Centre for Innovation in Peer Support is pleased to announce the virtual expansion of our popular communities of practice!

Do you have a Mr. Miyagi? The one thing many people forget in #recovery from addiction or in healing form mental health problems is that there's no finish line. We take it one step, one day at a time. Here's a reminder to those that need one. I certainly do!

Do you find yourself getting caught up in the future or where you think you should be?

Here’s a blog I wrote about it a little while ago. 
https://startswithme.ca/karatekid 

Whether it's exam time or project deadlines, we know studying for school can create a lot of stress for young people. This tip sheet was designed to provide quick and encouraging tips for easy reference while studying, so young people are keeping their mental health top of mind.

On Tuesday Mar 3 2020, I did the opening speech at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences for the Deputy Premier & Minister of Health Christine Elliot (pic attached) and also the Associate Minister of Mental Health & Addiction, Michael Tibollo (pic attached).   Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Christine Elliot announced the Roadmap to Wellness: A Plan to Build Ontario's Mental Health and Addictions System.  Government, healthcare leaders and media from across Ontario listened as I shared from my personal experience of the system gaps, unmet ser