prevention

Alcohol and other drug prevention attempts to prevent or delay substance use or limit the development of problems associated with using substances. As such, alcohol and other drug prevention exists along a continuum.

Early Prevention: Seeks to improve social, economic and cultural protective factors of substance use. 
Primary Prevention: Seeks to prevent the use of or delay alcohol and other drug use.
Secondary Prevention: Seeks limit alcohol and other drug use before damage occurs.   
Tertiary Prevention: Seeks to minimize problems resulting from alcohol and other drug use. 

harm reduction

Harm Reduction is defined as any policies, programs and practices that aim to reduce the health, social and economic harms associated with drug use without requiring the person to stop using substances. Harm Reduction is an evidence-based and cost-effective approach - bringing benefits to the individual, community and society.


treatment

Substance Use Addiction Treatment refers to interventions and activities that seek to improve the physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual health and well-being of people who use or have used substances (and family or key supports) through various psychosocial and psychopharmacological therapeutic methods. Treatment services provide options along a continuum of care that support the differing needs of individuals. Services may include withdrawal management services, outpatient and peer-based counselling, opioid substitution programs, daytime or residential treatment, harm reduction supports, supportive housing services and ongoing medical care.  


enforcement

Enforcement refers to interventions that seek to strengthen community safety by responding to the crimes, provincial legislation and community disorder issues associated with legal and illegal substances. Enforcement includes the broader justice system of the courts, probation, parole and other health and social services.