Alcoholism, substance abuse and compulsive gambling
Alcoholism
Excessive consumption of alcohol has been associated with adverse effects on people's health and social relationships, including increased risks of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, mortality, accidental injuries, unprotected sex, driving under the influence and consumption of illegal drugs.
Most Montréal students drink little or no alcohol, but the age at which those who do drink start is a matter of concern. In 2003, one child out of five in grade 4 and one out of three in grade 6 have already had a drink. In grade 11, seven students out of 10 say that they drink, of which 20% drink more or less every we
Sources: Statistics Canada and Direction de la santé publique de Montréal.
Where to get help
There are many support groups ready to help you.
- Al-Anon and Alateen
Support groups for relatives and friends of alcoholics and for people who have been affected by the alcoholism of a loved one. Free, fast and friendly.
Programme for adults: Al-Anon 514 866-9803
Programme for teens: Alateen 514 866-9803 - Alcochoix + (website in french only)
Assistance programme that promotes moderate alcohol consumption.
514 273-5600, ext. 6360 - Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Support groups for people who want to overcome their alcohol problems and help others recover.
514 376-9230 - Centre Dollard-Cormier
Evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation for people suffering from alcoholism, drug addiction or compulsive gambling. (Services in French)
Adult programme: 514 385-1232
Youth programme: 514 982-1232 - Maison Jean Lapointe (website in french only)
Treatment and rehabilitation for people suffering from alcoholism, drug addiction or gambling problems. (Services in French)
514 288-2611 - Pavillon Foster
Treatment and rehabilitation for people suffering from alcoholism, drug addiction or gambling problems. (English services available)
514 486-1304
Substance abuse
A drug addict is a person who takes drugs every day and whose life revolves around consuming.
Substance abuse often begins in high school: it increases from 10% of grade 7 students to 47% of grade 11 students. In grade 11, 33% of teenagers report smoking pot, 11% of whom say they smoke pot every week.
Sources: Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux du Québec and Direction de la santé publique de Montréal.
Where to get help
- Cactus Montréal
Organization for drug addicts (injectable and non-injectable drugs) and other at-risk individuals that works to reduce the transmission of sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs). Open weekday evenings from 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 4:00 p.m.
514 847-0067 - Centre Dollard-Cormier
Evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation for people suffering from alcoholism, drug addiction or compulsive gambling. (Services in French)
Adult programme: 514 385-1232
Youth programme: 514 982-1232 - Centre de recherche et d'aide pour narcomanes (website in french only)
Medical and psychosocial services for people suffering from addiction to opiates such as morphine.
514 527-6939 - Drogue: Aide et référence
Information, referral and listening phone line. Available 24/7.
514 527-2626 - La ligne parents
Telephone, referral and intervention service specialized in parent-child relationships. For parents only. Available 24/7.
1 800 361-5085 - Maison Jean Lapointe (website in french only)
Treatment and rehabilitation for people suffering from alcoholism, drug addiction or gambling problems. (Services in French)
514 288-2611 - Pavillon Foster
Treatment and rehabilitation for people suffering from alcoholism, drug addiction or gambling problems. (English services available)
514 486-1304 - Le Portage
Treatment and rehabilitation for people suffering from drug addiction.
514 939-0202 - Spectre de rue (website in french only)
Organization for marginalized people with problems related to mental health issues, substance abuse (injectable and non-injectable drugs) and prostitution. Day centre and street work at night. (Services in French)
514 524-5197 - Tel-jeunes
Listening, guidance and referral service available at all times. Confidential, professional and free.
1 800 263-2266
Most CSSSs offer used syringe and needle recovery and exchange service for injection drug users (IDUs). No appointment needed.
For more information, contact your CSSS.
Compulsive gambling
Gambling does not adversely affect the lives of the great majority of gamblers. However, a small proportion of players become addicted to gambling, and their habit can result in health problems (depression, anxiety) and family problems (financial problems, divorce) in addition to affecting their jobs.&nb
Source: Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux du Québec and Direction de la santé publique de Montréal.
Where to get help
- Centre Dollard-Cormier
Evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation for people suffering from alcoholism, drug addiction or compulsive gambling. (Services in French)
Adult programme: 514 385-1232
Youth programme: 514 982-123 - Jeu: Aide et référence
Information, referral and listening phone line. Available 24/7.
514 527-0140 - Maison Jean Lapointe (website in french only)
Treatment and rehabilitation for people suffering from alcoholism, drug addiction or gambling problems. (Services in French)
514 288-2611 - La ligne parents
Telephone, referral and intervention service specialized in parent-child relationships. For parents only. Available 24/7.
1 800 361-5085 - Pavillon Foster
Treatment and rehabilitation for people suffering from alcoholism, drug addiction or gambling problems. (English services available)
514 486-1304 - Tel-jeunes
Listening, guidance and referral service available at all times. Confidential, professional and free.
1 800 263-2266
For more information
- Dependence, the information portal of Ministry of Health and Human Services. It contains information on the problems of dependence on alcohol, drugs and gambling.
