Recreational drugs refer 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
Substance use can affect your physical, mental, and emotional functioning and overall health. Recreational drugs can also alter the effects of the medications you are taking.
Learn More
- Recreational drug use can be addictive and alter the effects of the medications you are taking – learn more at Healthlink BC.
- Learn about the side effects and long-term effects of regular cannabis use from Healthlink BC.
- Learn about opioids and other substances, including their effects, risks, and ways to prevent harm from HelpStartsHere – the Government of BC.
Things You Can Do
- 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. Make sure you share your alcohol and recreational drug use and amount with your surgeon and anesthesiologist prior to surgery so they can adjust your medications as needed.
- 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 harm reduction strategies—a term used to describe non-judgmental approaches to supporting people who use drugs—from HealthLink BC.
- Know that cannabis is now legal in BC. It can be used for enjoyment and for managing the symptoms of health conditions including chronic pain.
Find Help & Support
- Know that 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.
- Check out the list of virtual mental health services including how to get immediate help, free or low-cost counselling, workplace supports, and targeted services for youth, students, seniors, and indigenous people from the Government of BC.
- Call BC211, a free, confidential helpline that can connect you to a wide range of mental health and addiction resources and services available in your area.
- Explore resources, research, and treatment guidelines for alcohol and substance use disorders from the BC Centre on Substance Use.
- Consider the mental health, substance use, and wellness services for youth aged 12-24, including support for alcohol use from the Foundry BC.
Mywell Health helps you learn about and organize your health information in one place. Add your recreational drug use (amount & frequency) to your Health Profile fillable PDF tool and save it in your print or digital files under My Health Information.
Tools & Videos
Categories: My Health Information, Senior
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