Directory of Nunavut Alcohol and Drug Rehab Programs

QUICK FACTS

OVERVIEW

Addiction treatment resources in Nunavut are a rare commodity with residents needing residential treatment being referred to Ottawa, Winnipeg or Edmonton.

There are many problems facing the Territory that influence substance abuse. Adequate housing is in short supply and overcrowding is the norm. Unemployment among the Inuit is high and the Government is the main employer. The suicide rate is still eight times the national average and substance use is often associated with completed suicides.

The substances most often abused are alcohol and marijuana. Because of the high price of boot-legged alcohol - up to $250 a bottle - binge drinking is the most common pattern. In addition, some communities are dry and alcohol use is illegal. Marijuana is often cheaper and easier to bring into the Territory. Street drugs such as cocaine or heroin are seen in Iqaluit which is the most urban of all the population centres. The use of this type of drug may increase if mining and subsequent prosperity become more prevalent. Pockets of solvent abuse appear and disappear within the communities.

Source: Canadian Council on Substance Abuse (CCSA)

The killer who lives at home talks about the prevalence of tobacco in Nunavut which, at 70 percent, is two times the national average. 'Dry' town just a myth talks about the problems created by banning retail liquor sales in many Nunavut communities such as bootlegging.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Police, Fire, and Ambulance: 911

Kids Help Phone counsellors provide children and adolescents with immediate and caring support, information and, if necessary, referral to a local community or social service agency.
Toll-free: (800)668-6868

Suicide Line
Toll-free: (800)784-2433
Note: Crisis centre phone numbers for Iqaluit, Kugluktuk and Rankin Inlet.

YellowPages.ca has a directory of Nunavut Hospitals.

Refer to the Gambling Addiction Treatment section for problem gambling assistance.

NUNAVUT ALCOHOL AND DRUG INFORMATION AND REFERRAL

Nunavut Kamatsiaqtut Helpline
Phone: 979-3333 (Iqaluit)
Toll-free: (800)265-3333 (Communities)
Note: Anonymous and confidential telephone counseling 7:00 pm to midnight, 7 nights a week

Contact the nearest Nunavut Department of Health and Social Services office for further assistance.

Disclaimer: Inclusion or omission of an organization or agency in this database does not imply endorsement or non-endorsement by canadadrugrehab.ca. In no event shall canadadrugrehab.ca be liable for any decision or action taken in reliance on information provided by this referral service. Any questions regarding an alcohol and drug rehab program listing should be directed to that organization. If you believe you need immediate assistance, please call 911 or your local crisis hotline .