Crisis Resources
By The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health on
When someone is struggling, knowing where to turn can make all the difference. In moments of crisis—whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, unsafe, or simply need a compassionate voice—help should never feel out of reach. Across Toronto and the surrounding regions, a wide network of crisis lines, mobile response teams, and specialized support services are available day and night to ensure no one has to face difficult moments alone.
This guide brings together essential contact information for distress lines, mobile crisis units, community-based responders, and dedicated supports for youth, seniors, women, Indigenous communities, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, newcomers, and more. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or supporting someone else,...
Substance Use Addiction Services in Toronto
By The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health on
Finding support for substance use or addiction can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. The Substance Use & Addiction Services – PFLS Community Resources guide brings together a wide range of programs, helplines and community supports designed to help individuals and families access the care they need. From treatment options and counselling services to crisis lines and specialized support for youth, this resource makes it easier to understand where to turn and how to get started.
If you’re looking for clarity, connection or a path forward, this guide is a powerful first step.
View the Substance Use Addiction Services in Toronto PDF here
Do You Know... Alcohol
By The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health on
“Do You Know… Alcohol” is a powerful, easy-to-read guide that cuts through the myths and misconceptions about one of the world’s most widely used and misunderstood drugs. This foldable fact sheet breaks down everything you need to know: how alcohol works in the body, what intoxication really means, why hangovers happen, and how drinking affects your mood, memory, judgment, and long-term health. It also explores addiction, withdrawal, the risks of mixing substances, legal responsibilities, and what “safe drinking” actually looks like based on Canadian guidelines.
Whether you’re curious about how much alcohol is in your drink, concerned about your own use, or supporting someone else, this resource offers clear facts backed by science. It...
Things You should Know About Alcohol
By The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health on
Alcohol is one of the most common substances young people encounter, yet many of us don’t realize just how powerfully it can affect our bodies, emotions and decisions.
CAMH’s Things You Should Know About Alcohol cuts through the confusion, offering clear, honest facts to help you make informed choices.
From the way alcohol can shift your mood to its impact on mental health, relationships and even school or work, this resource highlights why understanding what you put into your body truly matters.
Before you decide whether to drink, here’s what you should know.
Buzz on Booze
By The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health on
Alcohol is everywhere in youth culture, from parties and celebrations to social media. But how much do we really know about it?
The Buzz on Booze resource from CAMH breaks through the myths and misunderstandings, shining a light on what alcohol actually does to our bodies, our decisions and our safety.
Whether you're curious, concerned or just want to make smarter choices, this guide offers clear, honest insights to help you navigate drinking with confidence and awareness. Let’s dive into what every young person should know before they pick up a drink.
Do You Know... Alcohol and other drugs and driving
By The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health on
How do alcohol and other drugs affect driving?
When you drive, your hands, eyes and feet control the vehicle, and your brain controls your hands, eyes and feet. To drive safely, you need to be alert, aware and able to make quick decisions in response to a rapidly changing environment.
Alcohol and other drugs alter the normal function of the brain and body, and interfere with even the most skilled and experienced driver’s ability to drive safely. While different drugs can have different effects on driving, any drug that slows you down, speeds you up or changes the way you see things can affect your driving—too often with tragic consequences.
Alcohol and other depressant drugs
Alcohol blunts alertness and reduces motor co-ordination....
Do you know... Alcohol
By The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health on
What is alcohol?
Alcohol is the substance in beer, wine and liquor that causes intoxication (“getting drunk”). It is also called ethanol. Alcohol is made by fermenting or distilling various fruits, vegetables or grains. It is a depressant, which means that it slows down the parts of the brain that affect thinking and behaviour, as well as breathing and heart rate.
The use of alcohol has been traced as far back as 7000 BC, and is common in many social, cultural and religious practices.
How much alcohol is in a drink?
Different types of drinks contain different amounts of alcohol. The amount of alcohol in fermented beverages such as beer and wine ranges from 4 to 15 per cent.
Distilled beverages, often called “hard liquor” or “spirits,” have...