QFR 2025/2026
Education & Resources
Substance Use 101
Understanding Substance Use Disorders (SUDs)
What are SUDs?
Substance use can exist on a spectrum, ranging from beneficial or lower-risk use to addiction. According to the Government of Canada (2024), a SUD is defined as “a treatable medical condition that affects the brain and involves compulsive and continuous use despite negative impacts to a person, their family, friends and others.”
Click to view a helpful diagram depicting the spectrum of substance use.
What is the biological basis behind SUDs?
Click here for a helpful infographic that discusses the science behind addiction.
What are some contributing factors?
Genetics, trauma, stress, illness, & environment.
Treatment options?
Recovery is possible and can look different in everyone. The key to a successful treatment approach involves acknowledging the substance use disorder and reaching out for help if re-use occurs.
Various options are available for individuals with SUDs, including peer support, medication-assisted treatment, lifestyle changes, therapy and/or harm reduction services.
Click here for campus & community resources.
Types of Substances
Main categories
Stimulants: increase the activity of the central nervous system (CNS)
(e.g. caffeine, cocaine, amphetamines)
Depressants: slow down CNS activity
(e.g. alcohol, barbiturates, sedatives)
Opioids: produce euphoria and offer pain relief
(e.g. heroin, morphine, fentanyl)
Hallucinogens: produce changes in perception
(e.g. LSD, methamphetamine)
Cannabis: psychoactive drugs with stimulant, depressant, and/or hallucinogen effects
Myths VS Facts
The more we understand, the less we judge.
Click here for a helpful resource outlining common myths about substance misuse.
Harm Reduction & Recovery
What is harm reduction?
An approach that meets people where they’re at. Harm reduction strategies are specific and individualized based on one’s needs, meaning abstinence is not always required.
What is naloxone?
A key harm reduction tool used to reverse the fatal effects of an opioid overdose. Many services in Kingston provide free naloxone kits and training for individuals.
Click here for more information on where to get naloxone kits, how to use them, and how they work.
Other examples of harm reduction?
Safe consumption sites, needle exchange programs, using a nicotine patch, and even wearing seatbelts!
What does recovery look like?
Recovery is different for everyone and can involve abstinence, safer use, or use in moderation depending on the substance and the individual.
Click here for a helpful video describing what the recovery process will look like.
Click here for a longer video with personal stories about overcoming addiction.
Use “person with a substance use disorder” instead of “addict”.
Language matters.
Campus & Community Resources
Crisis Lines & Hotlines:
Addictions and Mental Health–KFLA Crisis Line
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613-544-4229 or 1-866-616-6005
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Community-based program offering addiction and mental health services
National Overdose Response Service (NORS)
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1-888-688-6677
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Nonjudgmental and confidential services 24/7
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Connect with someone before using substances who will assist in accessing emergency services if an overdose or poisoning occurs
Suicide Crisis Hotline
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Call or text 9-8-8
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Support is offered 24/7
Clinics:
Queen's Mental Health Services
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Offers appointments for students with mental health professionals and therapy groups.
Addiction Care @ Kingston Health Sciences Centre
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Support services for those aged 16+
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Residential service for those aged 16+ to monitor symptoms & support safe withdrawal
Rapid Access Addiction Medicine Clinic @ Kingston Community Health Centre
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Walk-in clinic services providing time-limited addiction care
Opioid substitution treatment programs
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In the Kingston (KFL&A) area