Need Help?
Everyone has issues and needs support at one time or another. Whether you are concerned about your use of substances or someone you care about, there is information and support available to you on and off campus.
On-Campus Support
Counselling Services provides confidential, non-judgmental, free counselling for students. To connect with a counsellor about harm reduction and substance use, call 613-727-4723 ext.7200, or stop by the Welcome Centre reception desk (3rd floor, Student Commons, E building).
Algonquin College Mamidosewin Indigenous Centre provides confidential, non-judgemental, free counselling for First Nations, Inuit and Metis students. The Mamidosewin Centre also provides cultural events. 613-727-4723 ext. 7186.
The Beacon: Health & Wellness Peer Support Space provides students with an opportunity to chat with a trained Algonquin College student peer about mental health, sexual health and sexual violence, and substance use. Support is offered in a one-on-one, drop-in, non-judgmental, confidential, and accessible virtual space. Learn more on the Project Lighthouse website.
Off-Campus Support
Community Support Services
- Stop Overdose Ottawa
- Alcoholics Anonymous Ottawa
- Amethyst Women’s Addiction Centre
- Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre
- Narcotics Anonymous Ottawa
- Sandy Hill – CHC
- Take Care With Cannabis
- Tungasuvvingat Inuit (TI)
- You and Substance Abuse
- All People, All Pathways online peer support
- Drug and Alcohol Helpline provides a helpful Information and referral specialist that will answer your call, email or web chat 24/7. The service is free and confidential. They can provide information about treatment services and supports in your community, listen, offer support and provide strategies to help you meet your goals and provide basic education about drug and alcohol problems. 1-800-565-8603.
- Ottawa Addiction and Referral Services’ main goal is to help people navigate the addictions treatment system so they can find the solutions they need and the treatment option that is right for them or their loved ones. They conduct screening and assessments, offer referrals, and provide information, support and guidance. 613-241-5202, .
- Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services is a non-profit organization that provides a range of outpatient treatment programs and support for youth, adults who are struggling with alcohol, drug and/or gambling addiction, and their families, in the Ottawa area. 613-724-4881.
- Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health offers a full medical clinic, mental health clinic, community and cultural programs along with community outreach to provide a place that people can call home. 613-748-0657.
Online Resources
Online Resources
- National Overdose Response Service
- Canadian Centre for Substance Abuse
- Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
- Healthy Minds/Healthy Campus
- Educalcool
- FRANK
- Here to Help
- Trip Project
- Gabor Mate, author of In The Realm of Hungry Ghosts
- Reducing Alcohol Harms Among University Students
- LiveAnotherDay
Videos