Recreational Drug Use

Recreational drugs refers to legal and illegal drugs that are used without medical supervision. There are four categories of recreational drugs: analgesics, depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens.

Tips & Links

• Recreational drug use can be addictive and alter the effects of medications you are taking – learn more at Healthlink BC.
• Learn about opioids and other substances, including their effects, risks, and ways to prevent harm from the BC Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions.
• Be aware that if you use recreational drugs regularly, you might have withdrawal symptoms if hospitalized. Sudden withdrawal from recreational drugs may cause tremors, bad dreams, and even hallucinations.
• Your physician and health care professionals should know the types of substances you use, when you started, and the amount you use regularly. Any substances you use regularly should be noted in your health profile.
• Learn about strategies for ‘harm reduction’ a term used to describe helping people who use drugs in a non-judgemental way from Healthlink BC.
• Cannabis is now legal in BC. It can be used for enjoyment and for managing the symptoms of health conditions including chronic pain.
• Learn about the uses, side effects and long-term effects of regular cannabis use from Healthlink BC.
• Learn how recreational drugs mixed with medications can put you at risk for confusion, falls, or accidents.
• Explore mental health and substance abuse resources and services from Healthlink BC.
• If needed, Alcohol & Drug Information Referral Service (ADIRS) provides free, confidential information and referral services to British Columbians in need of support with any kind of substance use issue. Contact ADIRS toll-free at 1 800 663-1441.
• Visit Pathways Sea to Sky for a list of Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings in BC.

Tools – Handouts & Videos