Opioid use disorder (OUD) can start quietly — using for pain, then needing more to feel the same effect. At some point it stops being about pain relief and starts changing daily life. If you’re worried about yourself or someone else, this page gives clear, practical steps you can use right now.
OUD means repeated opioid use that causes harm or stops you doing what matters. Look for these signs: strong cravings, taking higher doses than planned, failed attempts to cut down, neglecting work or family, withdrawal symptoms when stopping, and continuing use despite problems. If these ring true, that’s a signal to act sooner rather than later.
An overdose can be fatal but many lives are saved when people act quickly. Watch for unresponsiveness, very slow or no breathing, pinpoint pupils, pale or bluish lips/skin, and inability to wake. If you see any of that, call 911 immediately.
Give naloxone if you have it — it works fast and is available at most Canadian pharmacies and many community programs for free. If the person isn’t breathing, start rescue breathing or CPR if you’re trained. Put them on their side in the recovery position after they wake, and stay with them. Naloxone’s effect can wear off, so medical follow-up is critical even after revival.
Treatment works. Medication-assisted treatments cut the risk of overdose and help people rebuild daily life. The three common meds are:
- Methadone: a daily clinic-based option that stabilizes cravings and withdrawal. Good for people with heavy dependence. - Buprenorphine (often combined with naloxone): can be prescribed by many family doctors and started quickly; has a lower overdose risk. - Naltrexone: blocks opioid effects but requires a period without opioids before starting.
Medications work best combined with counseling, peer support, and practical help like housing or job support. Harm reduction matters too: use supervised consumption services where available, don’t use alone, have naloxone nearby, and get clean supplies to reduce infections.
Not sure where to start? Try these steps: call your family doctor or local health clinic, search for an addiction clinic in your region, or contact provincial mental health/addiction helplines. If you’re in immediate danger, call 911. Many places in Canada offer low-barrier programs — walk-ins, phone or virtual starts, and kits with naloxone. Privacy is protected; clinics expect confidentiality.
Stigma gets in the way. Talking openly with a healthcare worker or a trusted friend is one of the best first steps. If you want help finding local services or a pharmacist who provides naloxone, Canada’s provincial health sites and community health centres are a good place to start. Medication plus support saves lives — getting help now matters.
Naltrexone isn’t your typical medication—it’s got a history in addiction treatment, but that’s just scratching the surface. This article lays out how naltrexone works, what it’s really used for, who it might help, and what the science actually says. Get no-nonsense answers about side effects, real-world results, and even some unexpected uses you probably haven’t heard about. Perfect for anyone who's wondered if it's right for them or someone they care about.
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