CMHA says don’t forget addictions when discussing mental health

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario is reminding Ontarians to include addictions in the conversation around mental health.

The CMHA says the stigma surrounding substance use and addictions remains which they say is one of the biggest barriers for people seeking and receiving treatment.

CEO of CMHA Ontario Camille Quenneville says they support full funding of harm reduction approaches, which includes more consumption treatment services sites which are currently capped in Ontario

In addition to the opioid crisis the CMHA says there’s greater access to other substances such as alcohol and cannabis, and more opportunities to gamble.

More than 15,000 Ontarians have died due to opioids since 2013, and more than 300,000 Canadians are reported to be at risk of gambling-related harms.