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Aurora — (October 28, 2021) Addiction Services for York Region (ASYR) announced today that it has changed its name to Addiction Services Central Ontario. The new name reflects the evolution, growth and significant geographic expansion of the organization and its services and programs.  Addiction Services Central Ontario provides community treatment services, support and assistance to Ontarians

Addiction Services Central Ontario (ASCO) is committed to the health and safety of its staff, clients, visitors and their loved ones.  With COVID-19 and the continuously changing environment, all ASCO offices are generally closed to the public. ASCO continues to provide support to new and existing clients through telephone, virtual face-to-face visits, and other electronic

When we talk about someone having an alcohol “problem,” it does not necessarily mean they have an alcohol use disorder (AUD). A range of drinking habits can be harmful, including heavy drinking and binge drinking. Harmful Drinking Habits While not everyone who binge drinks or drinks heavily on occasion will develop an alcohol use disorder, this

Substance abuse can simply be defined as a pattern of harmful use of any substance for mood-altering purposes. “Substances” can include alcohol and other drugs (illegal or not) as well as some substances that are not drugs at all. “Abuse” can result because you are using a substance in a way that is not intended

The COVID-19 pandemic has created disruptions in our lives that can cause feelings of stress and anxiety. These feelings are normal. Stress and anxiety may cause you to experience:  Did you know? The connection between humans and animals can be important in reducing stress and anxiety. In the Life in Recovery from Addiction in Canada survey led

Many people struggle with their mental health. In fact, anxiety and depression are some of the most common and debilitating illnesses. While you’re probably aware that medication and therapy can be effective, there’s another promising approach that you may have overlooked for mental health: your diet. What’s the Connection Between Diet and Mental Health? How you think and feel depends

Overcoming Stigma, a suite of online resources to help Canadians recognize the various forms of stigma and their devastating impact on people who use substances, is now complete and available to the public. The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) developed the newly released second and third modules in partnership with the Community

Beginning the practice of mindfulness can feel daunting at first, but starting small with 1-minute exercises can make mindfulness very doable. The more regularly you practice any-length exercise, the more mindfulness will be a part of your everyday life. Then, you can reap the rewards of living more mindfully. What is mindfulness? Mindfulness, simply put, is paying

This information on recreational cannabis is for parents/guardians and caregivers of youth in grades 6 to 12. It provides information about cannabis, risks, signs of a problem, how to help your child, and where to get more information and support. Bottom Line  What is cannabis?  Cannabis, also called marijuana, weed and pot, is a drug