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Opioids

What are opioids?

Opioids are drugs that are usually prescribed to treat severe pain. They’re psychoactive drugs, meaning they act in our brains to change our awareness of pain, as well as slow down our breathing, heart rate, thoughts, and actions. There are many different opioids, including morphine, heroin, hydromorphone (Dilaudid) and codeine (in products like Tylenol 3).

 

How they’re used

People use opioids for a variety of reasons. While they can be helpful for pain relief, some people use them for relief from anxiety or to experience a “high”. Others use prescription opioids (like methadone, buprenorphine/naloxone) to help reduce dependence on other opioids.

 

How they affect us

The effects of opioids can be different for different people. In the beginning, most people will feel relaxed, drowsy, and calm. But as use (and the risk of withdrawal) increases, people may feel unwell and experience anxiety and insomnia. Repeatedly using the drug to feel relaxed, reduce anxiety, or for reasons other than as prescribed may harm our health or relationships and lead to dependence.

 

The risks

Like all drugs, opioids have the potential to be harmful. Even a single use of an opioid by a person who’s never used one before can lead to serious harms like infections and diseases from sharing needles, overdose, or even death. 

Using prescription opioids for reasons other than the prescribed medical purpose can be dangerous. Buying and using drugs from unknown sources can also be dangerous. Opioids from sources other than a pharmacy or healthcare provider may not be legitimate pharmaceutical pills, even if they look like they are. These drugs are often impure and unpredictable in strength, making them very dangerous.   

Opioid use can also lead to dependence—that’s when a person is so used to the drug being in their body that when it’s taken away they experience severe withdrawal symptoms like uneasiness, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and craving for the drug. Tolerance can also develop with continued use of an opioid, which means that increasingly large doses are needed to get the same effects. This also puts the person at increased risk of overdose and death.

 

Lowering the risk

Always follow the dosage instructions—using a drug more often than prescribed can be dangerous, so watch how much you use. Check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about the effects of a prescribed opioid on physical and mental functioning. If you choose to use illegal drugs, start with a small amount whenever you get a new supply, clean your hands, drug using supplies and injection site, and never use while alone. Always have naloxone on hand whenever using—it can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and allow time for medical help to arrive.

 

Signs of an overdose

Signs of opioid overdose include:

  • The person can’t be woken up
  • Slow, irregular breathing
  • Slow or no pulse
  • Gurgling sounds or choking
  • Blue lips or nails
  • Pale, cool skin
  • Vomiting

 

If someone you know is showing signs of an opioid overdose, call 911 right away.

Visit http://www.nsnaloxone.com/ for more information on Naloxone and opioids.

 

When to seek help

Using opioids is a problem when it negatively affects your life or the lives of others. Speak with your healthcare provider if you feel your use of opioids has become a problem for you or others. 

The two main treatment options for opioid addiction are professional counselling and opioid agonist therapies (using methadone or buprenorphine/naloxone). The combination of both treatments is often used and is more beneficial than one method alone.

 

Tools

SMART Recovery - Self-Management And Recovery Training

 SMART Recovery - Self-Management And Recovery Training
This tool is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Tool Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the tool provider.

Self-Management And Recovery Training (SMART) is a global community of mutual-support groups. At meetings, participants help one another resolve problems with any addiction (to drugs or alcohol or to activities such as gambling or over-eating)...

Visit SMART Recovery - Self-Management And Recovery Training

More Information:

Eating Disorders / Alcohol or drug use / Alcohol / Opioids / Cannabis / Nicotine & Tobacco / Gambling
Adults / Seniors

CAPSA - Community Addictions Peer Support Association

 CAPSA - Community Addictions Peer Support Association
This tool is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Tool Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the tool provider.

CAPSA is a National leader on the topic of stigma, its impacts on individuals who use substances or have a substance use disorder and on identifying and correcting instances of systemic stigma imbedded in organizations. Employing subject matter...

Visit CAPSA - Community Addictions Peer Support Association

More Information:

Alcohol or drug use / Alcohol / Opioids / Cannabis
Adults / Seniors

Mental Health 101

 The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
This tool is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Tool Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the tool provider.

Knowledge is power. This series of free online tutorials is a starting point for learning about mental health.​ You can come away with a greater understanding of the mental health concern you are interested in knowing more about. The tutorials can...

Visit Mental Health 101

More Information:

Alcohol / Opioids / Cannabis / Nicotine & Tobacco / Gambling / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Withdrawal from friends and activities / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Alcohol or drug use / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Anxiety / Bipolar Disorder / Depression / Dementias / Eating Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Personality Disorders / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Stress
Adults / Seniors / Youth

34 Program(s)

The Bloom Program
Nova Scotia Health Authority

The Bloom Program is a community pharmacy initiative designed to increase and improve mental health and addictions care for Nova Scotians.

Who is eligible to participate?

Anyone with a Nova Scotia Health Card who has:

  • One or more mental health...
Anxiety / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Grief / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Adults / Seniors

The Gathering Place
Nova Scotia Health Authority

The Gathering Place provides a safe, non-clinical, non-stigma space for clients who are stable in the diagnoses to attend on a weekly basis. The activities planned for each week vary, ranging from cooking low-cost, simple meals; what resources are...

Alcohol / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Western Zone
Adults / Seniors

Mental Health and Addictions Provincial Intake

Nova Scotia Health Authority

Mental Health and Addictions Provincial Intake is the entry point for all requests for service through the provincial toll free number 1-855-922-1122 Monday to Friday and all week-day holidays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. as well as Tuesday and Thursday...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults / Children / Seniors / Youth

Access Wellness
TELUS Health
This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

Access Wellness is a free single-session supportive counselling service for individuals (18 years and older), couples or families. 

Sessions can be held over the phone, online with video, or in-person. People can speak with a qualified professional...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults / Seniors
2SLGBTQIA+ / Black, African Nova Scotian / Canadian Forces, RCMP / First Nations, Indigenous

Sipekne’katik First Nation
Sipekne’katik First Nation
This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

The Sipekne’katik Health Centre has many programs available for its community to benefit from, including:

  • Adult primary health care services
  • Prenatal classes and services
  • Parent programming
  • Maternal child health services
  • Public health...
Alcohol or drug use / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Opioids / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Northern Zone
Adults / Seniors
First Nations, Indigenous

Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselling Association of Nova Scotia (NADACA)
Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselling Association of Nova Scotia
This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

NADACA programming is designed to deal with all aspects of substance abuse, i.e. alcohol abuse, illicit drug abuse, prescription drug abuse and solvent abuse. Our mandate is to provide accredited certified indigenous addictions prevention, education...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Cannabis / Opioids
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
/
Online Service
Adults / Seniors
First Nations, Indigenous

IWK Mental Health and Addictions Program
IWK
This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

The IWK Mental Health and  Addictions Program provides specialized care throughout the province for children and youth up until their 19th birthday within a patient and family...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Cannabis / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Children / Youth

The Marguerite Centre
The Marguerite Centre
This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

The Marguerite Centre provides a holistic, women-centred approach to recovery from substance misuse and gambling addiction. We are an inclusive, safe, non-judgmental environment...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Cannabis / Gambling / Opioids
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults

Eskasoni Mental Health
Eskasoni Mental Health Services (EMHS)
This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

Eskasoni Mental Health Services (EMHS) provides a wide range of services to the Mi’kmaq people of Eskasoni, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. The Tui'kn Residential School Survivor Team...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Eastern Zone
Adults / Seniors / Youth
First Nations, Indigenous

Direction 180
Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Center
This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

Direction 180 is a community-based, opioid treatment program located in the North End of Halifax, Nova Scotia. This non-profit organization has been running since 2001 as a program of the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Center.

Alcohol or drug use / Opioids
Central Zone
Adults / Seniors

Caregivers Nova Scotia
Caregivers Nova Scotia
This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

Caregivers Nova Scotia provides free programs, services, information, and advocacy for family and friend caregivers. We are dedicated to providing recognition and practical assistance to friends and family giving care.

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults / Seniors
Caregiver, Family

Ally Centre of Cape Breton
Ally Centre of Cape Breton
This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

The Ally Centre of Cape Breton is dedicated to preventing the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C in the community and supporting those who have been infected and/or affected by these...

Alcohol or drug use / Opioids
Eastern Zone
Adults / Seniors / Youth

211
211
This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

211 is a free, confidential information and referral service that can connect you to thousands of programs and services offered by local community groups, nonprofits and government departments across Nova Scotia, 24/7.

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults / Children / Seniors / Youth

Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services - Mental Health Programs and Services
Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services
This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS) is responsible for administering Non-Public Property (NPP) on behalf of the Chief of the Defence Staff and for delivering...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults / Seniors
Canadian Forces, RCMP

Veterans Affairs Canada Assistance Service
Veterans Affairs Canada
This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

Veterans Affairs provide targeted services and benefits to improve well-being including support and services related to your physical and mental health and wellness.The VAC...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults / Seniors
Canadian Forces, RCMP

Families Matter in Mental Health

Hope For Mental Health
This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

Families Matter in Mental Health is an 11-week education and support program for family or friends who are providing practical and/or emotional support to someone who has a...

Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults
Caregiver, Family

Narcotics Anonymous

Narcotics Anonymous
This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

NA is a nonprofit fellowship or society of people for whom drugs had become a major problem. We are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. This is a program of complete abstinence from all drugs. There is only one...

Alcohol or drug use / Cannabis / Opioids
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults / Seniors

Health Psychology
Nova Scotia Health Authority

Health Psychology offers psychological interventions for those with chronic and acute health conditions. The main focus is on the patient's mental and emotional reaction to an illness or their recovery from an illness.

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Western Zone
Adults

Wellness Court
Nova Scotia Health Authority

Wellness Court Programs are specialty or problem-solving courts, where a team of professionals helps treat the issues contributing to the individual coming into conflict with the...

Alcohol or drug use / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Depression / Gambling / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia
Central Zone
/
Northern Zone
Adults

Geriatric Psychiatry Acute Inpatient Unit
Nova Scotia Health Authority

The Geriatric Psychiatry Acute Inpatient Unit is for individuals over the age of 65 with a new onset of mental illness or for individuals of any age with dementia and complicated medical and/or psychological symptoms.

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Bipolar Disorder / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Seniors

Geriatric Psychiatry Outpatient Program
Nova Scotia Health Authority

Seniors mental health services provide assessment, consultation and treatments to:

  • seniors aged 65 and older for a new onset of mental health challenges
  • individuals of any...
Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Gambling / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
Central Zone
Seniors

Driving While Impaired (DWI) Program/Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program (AIIP)
Nova Scotia Health Authority

If your driver’s license has been suspended or revoked for a substance related offence, you are required by the Registry of Motor Vehicles to attend the DWI Program in order to...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Cannabis / Opioids
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults / Seniors

School Mental Health (SchoolsPlus)
Nova Scotia Health Authority

The school mental health clinicians provide individual and group therapy, mental health and addictions education for school staff and consultation services. Clinicians are on...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Children / Youth

Nova Scotia Operational Stress Injury (OSI) Clinic
Nova Scotia Health Authority

The Nova Scotia Operational Stress Injury Clinic (NSOSIC) belongs to a national network of OSI Clinics funded by Veterans Affairs Canada. The clinic provides mental health...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Cannabis / Depression / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Opioids / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults / Seniors
Canadian Forces, RCMP

Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line
Nova Scotia Health Authority

The Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line provides crisis intervention for children, youth and adults experiencing a mental health crisis or mental distress.

The...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults / Children / Seniors / Youth
2SLGBTQIA+ / Black, African Nova Scotian / Canadian Forces, RCMP / Caregiver, Family / First Nations, Indigenous / First Responders

Inpatient Mental Health Services
Nova Scotia Health Authority

Inpatient mental health services are available for those who cannot be safely assessed, diagnosed and stabilized in the community. 

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Bipolar Disorder / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults / Seniors

First Nations Services
Nova Scotia Health Authority

Mental Health clinicians work as part of the first nations health care team in several first nations communities. The Mental Health Clinician provides assessment, diagnosis and...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults / Children / Seniors / Youth
First Nations, Indigenous

Crossroads Cape Breton
Nova Scotia Health Authority

Located in Sydney, Crossroads Cape Breton offers a variety of outreach, housing and community supports. Through this program, people discover purpose, build skills and improve...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia
Eastern Zone
Adults / Seniors

Community Support Service (Adults)
Nova Scotia Health Authority

The Community Support Teams for Adults/Community Supports for Adults supports individuals living with persistent mental illness to develop and maintain a safe, satisfying quality...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Gambling / Nicotine & Tobacco / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Psychosis / Schizophrenia
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults / Seniors

Adult Community Mental Health and Addictions Services
Nova Scotia Health Authority

Community Mental Health and Addictions includes a team of mental health and addictions professionals who provide services on an outpatient basis. The team provides assessment...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults / Seniors

Child and Adolescent Services
Nova Scotia Health Authority

Child and Adolescent Services/Child Youth and Family/Child and Adolescent Outpatient Clinical Services provide mental health and addiction services to children and youth (under...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Children / Youth

Adolescent Outreach Services
Nova Scotia Health Authority

Adolescent Outreach Services (AOS) is an expansion of the CaperBase model, which originated in Cape Breton. AOS focuses on providing:

  • Brief and Early Intervention
  • Screening
  • Outreach
  • Community Partnerships

The AOS model is set up for youth...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Cannabis / Depression / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Nicotine & Tobacco / Opioids / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Eastern Zone
/
Western Zone
/
Northern Zone
Children / Youth

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